1 Before you use it
What it is
Metadata only. The most-cited osteoarthritis instrument in the world. Twenty-four items across three subscales — pain (5), stiffness (2) and physical function (17) — for hip and knee OA.
You do not need to licence it, because KOOS and HOOS contain it.
When to reach for it
When it appears in a trial report or a rheumatology letter. For your own baseline use KOOS or HOOS — both contain WOMAC, so you get the same information without the licence.
Patterns it serves · 2
2 Giving it
Scoring
Three subscales reported separately. Likert and visual-analogue versions have different ranges. Higher means worse.
What it doesn’t measure
Sport, quality of life, strength or performance.
3 Reading the score
Interpreting it
The stiffness subscale is only two items, which is worth knowing when a report leans on it.
Is the change real?
Student trap. Paying for a WOMAC licence when KOOS contains it and is free.
This is a learning tool. It does not diagnose patients and does not replace your clinical educator.
Did this page do its job?
CliniStudy is in beta. One tap is enough — it decides what gets fixed first.