Objective In an effort to evolve semi-quantitative scoring methods based upon limitations identified in existing tools, integrating expert readers’ experience with all available scoring tools and the published data comparing the different scoring systems, we iteratively developed the MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS). The purpose of this report is to describe the instrument and its reliability. Methods The MOAKS instrument refines the scoring of BMLs (providing regional delineation and scoring across regions), cartilage (sub-regional assessment), and refines the elements of meniscal morphology (adding meniscal hypertrophy, partial maceration and progressive partial maceration) scoring. After a training and calibration session two expert readers read MRIs of 20 knees separately. In addition, one reader re-read the same 20 MRIs 4 weeks later presented in random order to assess intra-rater reliability. The analyses presented here are for both intra- and inter-rater reliability (calculated using the linear weighted kappa and overall percent agreement). Results With the exception of inter-rater reliability for tibial cartilage area (kappa=0.36) and tibial osteophytes (kappa=0.49); and intra-rater reliability for tibial BML number of lesions (kappa=0.54), Hoffa-synovitis (kappa=0.42) all measures of reliability using kappa statistics were very good (0.61-0.8) or reached near perfect agreement (0.81-1.0). Only intra-rater reliability for Hoffa-synovitis, and inter-rater reliability for tibial and patellar osteophytes showed overall percent agreement < 75%. Conclusion MOAKS scoring shows very good to excellent reliability for the large majority of features assessed. Further iterative development and research will include assessment of its validation and responsiveness.
Aim: MRI provides unparalleled visualization of all the anatomical structures involved in the osteoarthritis (OA) process. There is a need for reliable methods of quantifying abnormalities of these structures. The aim of this work was to assess the reliability of a novel MRI scoring system for evaluating OA of the knee and explore the validity of the bone marrow lesion (BML) scoring component of this new tool. Methods: After review of the relevant literature, a collaborative group of rheumatologists and radiologists from centers in the UK and USA established preliminary anatomical divisions, items (necessarily broadly inclusive) and scaling for a novel semi-quantitative knee score. A series of iterative reliability exercises were performed to reduce the initial items, and the reliability of the resultant Boston-Leeds Osteoarthritis Knee Score (BLOKS) was examined. A further sample had both the BLOKS and WORMS (Whole Organ MRI Score) BML score performed to assess the construct validity (relation to knee pain) and longitudinal validity (prediction of cartilage loss) of each scoring method. Results: The BLOKS scoring method assesses 9 intra-articular regions and contains 8 items, including features of bone marrow lesions, cartilage, osteophytes, synovitis, effusions and ligaments. The scaling for each feature ranges from 0-3. The inter-reader reliability for the final BLOKS items ranged from 0.51 for meniscal extrusion up to 0.79 for meniscal tear. The reliability for other key features was 0.72 for BML grade, 0.72 for cartilage morphology, and 0.62 for synovitis. Maximal BML size in BLOKS scale had a positive linear relation with VAS pain however the WORMS scale did not. Baseline BML was associated with cartilage loss on both BLOKS and WORMS scale. This association was stronger for BLOKS than WORMS. Conclusion:We have designed a novel scoring system for MRI OA knee, BLOKS, that demonstrates good reliability. Preliminary inspection of the validity of one of the components of this new tool supports the validity of the BLOKS BML scoring method over an existing instrument. Further iterative development will include validation for use in both clinical trials and epidemiological studies.
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