Outcome measures in orthopaedics and orthopaedic trauma

The ability to measure results is vital for effective medical practice, particularly in view of the increased emphasis on evidence-based medicine and the introduction of the NICE guidelines. Evaluation of the success or failure of treatment is not only of importance to the patient and practitioner, but also to the health administrator as health care costs increase. Orthopaedics and orthopaedic trauma are highly complex subjects that can prove difficult to quantify, but accurate measurement is required for setting standards of care and for assessing the severity of an injury. This book is designed to help the reader fulfill his or her role in outcome assessment by providing good references to sources of instruments and techniques used and assisting them in making an informed selection from the different scoring systems available. It will be of interest to orthopaedic and trauma surgeons, including trainees in preparation for their exit examinations, to A&E personnel and to law.