Oxford Hip Score
Also known as: OHS, Oxford Score Hip
The Oxford Hip Score (OHS) is a brief, validated self-report questionnaire developed by Murray and colleagues at the University of Oxford beginning in 1996 to measure outcomes following hip replacement surgery. The OHS comprises 12 items assessing hip pain, hip-related functional limitations, and quality of life in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty. It is the most widely used patient-reported outcome measure for hip replacement in both clinical practice and research.
Key highlights
- Brief 12-item format (5 minutes) enabling routine administration in busy orthopedic clinics
- Extensively validated with excellent psychometric properties in diverse hip replacement populations
- Patient-centered focus captures outcomes meaningful to patients rather than only surgeon-perceived success
- Strong evidence of responsiveness to hip replacement surgery demonstrating clinically significant improvement
Intuition
This section is available to Pro members. Upgrade to Pro
How it works
This section is available to Pro members. Upgrade to Pro
When to use it
OHS is indicated for measuring outcomes in patients undergoing hip replacement surgery for osteoarthritis or other hip pathology. Use preoperatively to establish baseline hip function and postoperatively (typically 3-6 months and 1 year) to assess functional recovery and guide rehabilitation. Appropriate for both clinical practice outcome monitoring and research contexts.
Strengths & limitations
- Brief 12-item format (5 minutes) enabling routine administration in busy orthopedic clinics
- Extensively validated with excellent psychometric properties in diverse hip replacement populations
- Patient-centered focus captures outcomes meaningful to patients rather than only surgeon-perceived success
- Strong evidence of responsiveness to hip replacement surgery demonstrating clinically significant improvement
- Hip-specific design limits applicability to non-surgical hip conditions or generalized lower extremity dysfunction
- Does not assess complications (infection, dislocation) or objective measures of hip stability or strength
- Floor and ceiling effects possible in very severe or very mild hip disease; sensitivity to change may be reduced at extremes
Common pitfalls
This section is available to Pro members. Upgrade to Pro
Applications
This section is available to Pro members. Upgrade to Pro
Frequently asked
How long after hip surgery should OHS be administered?
OHS is typically administered preoperatively (baseline), 3 months postoperatively (early functional recovery), and 1 year postoperatively (mature outcomes). Most hip replacement patients achieve near-maximal functional improvement by 3-6 months, though ongoing incremental improvement may continue for 1-2 years. Longer-term follow-up (5, 10 years) assesses implant durability.
What OHS score indicates successful hip replacement?
OHS scores of 40-48 indicate excellent outcomes; 30-39 indicate good outcomes. However, success is individualized: a patient improving from 15 preoperatively to 30 postoperatively has achieved clinically meaningful improvement despite not reaching 'excellent' scores. Preoperative baseline and patient goals should inform interpretation of postoperative scores.
Can OHS be used for hip conditions other than hip replacement?
OHS was developed for hip replacement and is most validated in that population. For other hip conditions (hip labral tear, femoroacetabular impingement without surgery), condition-specific measures may be more appropriate. However, OHS can be used in non-operative hip disease if modified instructions clarify assessment is of hip function regardless of treatment.
Sources
- 1.Murray, D. W., Fitzpatrick, R., Rogers, K., Pandit, H., Beard, D. J., Carr, A. J., & Dawson, J. (2007). The use of the Oxford Hip and Knee Scores. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 89(8), 1010-1014.
- 2.Dawson, J., Fitzpatrick, R., Carr, A., & Murray, D. (1996). Questionnaire on the perceptions of patients about total hip replacement. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 78(2), 185-190.
- 3.Fitzgerald, R. H. (2004). The Oxford Hip Score. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 86(5), 671-672.
You have read it. What now?
Cite this page
ScholarGate. (2026, June 3). Oxford Hip Score. ScholarGate. https://scholargate.app/health-services/oxford-hip-score