Sunshine Coast Orthopaedic Group

Self assessment

Oxford Hip and Knee Score.

A twelve-question survey used internationally to measure how much a hip or knee problem is affecting daily life. It is not a diagnosis. It is a number worth bringing to a consultation, and it is calculated entirely in your own browser.

Call (07) 5493 8038 Request an appointment

About the score.

The Oxford Hip Score and the Oxford Knee Score are twelve-question surveys used internationally to measure how much a hip or knee problem is affecting daily life. They were developed at the University of Oxford and are used in research, in national registries and in routine clinical practice to track change over time.

Each question is scored from 0 to 4, giving a total from 0 to 48, where 48 is the best possible function. Roughly speaking, a score above 40 suggests satisfactory joint function, 30 to 40 mild to moderate impairment, 20 to 30 moderate to severe, and below 20 severe. These bands are a guide, not a diagnosis.

What it does and does not tell you.

It measures the impact of your symptoms on daily activities. It does not diagnose anything and it does not indicate whether surgery is appropriate. That requires clinical assessment and imaging. What the score is genuinely useful for is giving you a number to bring to a consultation, and a baseline to compare against afterwards. A single score in isolation says less than two scores six months apart.

It is also worth knowing what the score cannot separate. A knee that is painful because of arthritis and a knee that is painful because of a meniscal tear can produce the same number, and they lead to different treatment. Hip pain that is actually coming from the outside of the hip or from the lumbar spine will also score. That is why the number is a starting point for a conversation rather than the end of one.

Take the score.

Twelve questions, about three minutes. Answer for the last four weeks, and if both sides are affected answer for the worse one.

Nothing you enter here is sent anywhere. The score is calculated in your own browser. Nothing is transmitted to this practice, stored on this device or recorded in analytics, and closing the tab discards it. If you want us to have the result, print it or write the number down and bring it with you.

Scoring needs JavaScript, which appears to be turned off. The questions below still work as a paper form: print this page, circle one answer per question, add up the numbers beside your answers, and bring the total to your appointment. Each question scores 4 down to 0 and the total runs from 0 to 48. The rooms can also post you the questionnaire on (07) 5493 8038.

Oxford Knee Score

Answer every question about your knee, thinking about the last four weeks. If both knees are affected, answer for the worse one.

1.How would you describe the pain you usually have from your knee?
2.Have you had any trouble washing and drying yourself (all over) because of your knee?
3.Have you had any trouble getting in and out of a car or using public transport because of your knee?
4.For how long have you been able to walk before the pain from your knee becomes severe (with or without a walking aid)?
5.After a meal (sat at a table), how painful has it been for you to stand up from a chair because of your knee?
6.Have you been limping when walking, because of your knee?
7.Could you kneel down and get up again afterwards?
8.Have you been troubled by pain from your knee in bed at night?
9.How much has pain from your knee interfered with your usual work, including housework?
10.Have you felt that your knee might suddenly give way or let you down?
11.Could you do the household shopping on your own?
12.Could you walk down one flight of stairs?

Oxford Hip Score

Answer every question about your hip, thinking about the last four weeks. If both hips are affected, answer for the worse one.

1.How would you describe the pain you usually have from your hip?
2.Have you had any trouble washing and drying yourself (all over) because of your hip?
3.Have you had any trouble getting in and out of a car or using public transport because of your hip?
4.Have you been able to put on a pair of socks, stockings or tights?
5.Could you do the household shopping on your own?
6.For how long have you been able to walk before the pain from your hip becomes severe (with or without a walking aid)?
7.Have you been able to climb a flight of stairs?
8.After a meal (sat at a table), how painful has it been for you to stand up from a chair because of your hip?
9.Have you been limping when walking, because of your hip?
10.Have you had any sudden, severe pain (shooting, stabbing or spasms) from your affected hip?
11.How much has pain from your hip interfered with your usual work, including housework?
12.Have you been troubled by pain from your hip in bed at night?

What to do with the result.

Bring it to your appointment, or give the number to your GP when you are discussing whether a referral is worth making. If you are already under this practice, bring it to your next review so it can go in your record alongside the examination and the imaging.

If you are recovering from surgery, the score is most useful repeated. Most people complete it before their operation, then again at six months and twelve months. Comparing your own two numbers tells you far more than comparing your number against an average.

Where to go next.

The Oxford Hip Score and the Oxford Knee Score are used under licence from Oxford University Innovation.

Written and reviewed by Professor Daevyd Rodda, MBBS, Dip. Surg Anat, FRACS, FAOrthA. Last reviewed August 2026.

This page provides general information about a medical condition and a surgical procedure. It is not individual medical advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified practitioner. Outcomes vary between individuals and all surgery carries risk. A referral is needed for a consultation with Professor Daevyd Rodda; without one, you can start with the practice nurse practitioner, who can provide it.

Frequently asked questions.

Is my answer sent to the practice?

No. The score is calculated in your browser. Nothing is transmitted to this practice, stored on your device or recorded in analytics, and closing the tab discards it. If you want the practice to have the result, print it or bring the number with you.

What is a good Oxford score?

Above 40 out of 48 usually means the joint is not limiting daily life a great deal. 30 to 40 is mild to moderate impairment, 20 to 30 moderate to severe, and below 20 severe. These bands are a guide rather than a diagnosis, and a low score does not by itself mean surgery is appropriate.

Does a low score mean I need a joint replacement?

No. The score measures the impact of symptoms on daily life. It does not say what is wrong with the joint. Pain from a meniscal tear, from gluteal tendinopathy or from the lumbar spine can all produce a low score and none of them is treated with a joint replacement. The decision needs an examination and imaging.

Which joint should I answer for if both are painful?

Answer for the worse side, and complete the questionnaire again separately for the other side if you want a number for both. The instrument is validated for one joint at a time.

Can I do this on paper instead?

Yes. Print this page and circle one answer per question, or call the rooms on (07) 5493 8038 and the questionnaire can be posted to you.