Correlation of x-ray based kellgren lawrence grading with womac score in knee osteoarthritis
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Date
2026
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
UMT, Lahore
Abstract
Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal diseases characterized by progressive cartilage deterioration of the joints ending in pain, stiffness and severe limitations to movement. The radiographic evaluation that is based on the Kellgren-Lawrence grading system is still the most widely used standard of structural severity of knee osteoarthritis. At the same time, the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) is commonly used as a patient-reported outcome measure, which encompasses the aspects of pain, stiffness, and functional condition. The current cross- section observational study was aimed at quantifying the relation between KL grading and WOMAC scores between those presenting with osteoarthritis of the knee. 93 patients were consecutively recruited from the outpatient departments of various hospitals of the city of Lahore over a three-month period by using non-probability sampling. Demographic features (age, sex, time of disease, and bilateral involvement of the joints) were recorded. Weight bearing anteroposterior knee radiograph was evaluated by a blinded radiologist using the KL classification; simultaneously, WOMAC scores were provided using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Statistical computing was carried out using the version 25.0 of the programs "SPSS statistical package." Tests of normality, namely the Kolmogorov Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk procedures, confirmed non-normal distribution for both the variables, thus supporting the use of Spearman's rank order correlation. Findings showed that there was a strong positive and statistically significant correlation between KL grade and total WOMAC score (rs = .754, p < .001) which suggested that the severity of the disease as measured by radiographic examination was concomitant with the patient's functional disability and symptoms burden. These results confirm the clinical significance of KL grading as a prognostic factor for patient reported functional outcome of knee osteoarthritis.