Validation of Harris hip score in the indian population

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to validate the Harris hip score (HHS) in the Indian population. MethodsIn a prospective study, 310 patients (432 hips) were evaluated by two observers using HHS as the joint-specific outcome measure and Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12v1) as a generic health measure. The HHS was tested against SF-12v1 for construct validity, criterion validity, test-retest reliability, inter-observer reliability, and internal consistency reliability. ResultsMultiple domains of HHS such as total score, pain, function, gait, activities of daily living and deformity showed ceiling effects. The SF-12v1 and HHS showed an acceptable level (0.04 at P < 0.010) of construct validity and criterion validity for total scores and function domain. The test-retest reliability and interobserver reliability were excellent with Goodman-Kruskal Gamma value of one. The internal consistency of the questionnaires was excellent with Cronbach’s alfa coefficient of 0.743. ConclusionThe HHS is reliable and responsive with acceptable construct and criterion validity, but it has high ceiling effects.