Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Russian language version of the Karlsson – Peterson ankle function score system (KAFS)

Introduction In 1991, J. Karlsson and L. Peterson proposed a system for assessing the functional state of the ankle joint. This questionnaire assesses pain, activity, instability and disturbances inf daily activities using nine assessment parameters. The Karlsson – Peterson questionnaire has been used actively in foreign studies and literature sources, but despite its widespread use, its original version is in English, and until now there was no official adapted version in Russian.

The aim of the study was to translate, cross-culturally adapt and psychometrically validate the Russian version of the Karlsson – Peterson questionnaire for clinical use in patients with chronic lateral instability of the ankle joint.

Materials and methods The study included 60 patients at the preoperative examination stage in a state of clinical stability. The Karlsson – Peterson questionnaire was translated and adapted according to the ISPOR methodology. All patients filled in the Karlsson – Peterson and AOFAS-AHS questionnaires. A total of 39 patients were re-administered after 7–14 days. The following measures were assessed: internal consistency (Cronbach's α), test-retest reliability (ICC), standard measurement error (SEM), minimally significant difference (MDC), extreme effects, and construct validity.

Results The Russian version of the Karlsson – Peterson questionnaire showed high internal consistency (α = 0.826) and good reproducibility (ICC = 0.720). SEM was 2.89, MDC was 7.95 points. There were no ceiling or floor effects. Significant correlations were found between the final scores of the Karlsson – Peterson questionnaire and AOFAS-AHS.

Discussion The study demonstrated the reliability, validity, and sensitivity of the Russian version of the Karlsson – Peterson questionnaire. The questionnaire is an informative and clinically interpretable tool for assessing the condition of the ankle joint in patients with chronic ankle instability.

Conclusion The Russian version of the Karlsson – Peterson questionnaire demonstrated high psychometric properties and can be recommended for use in clinical and research practice, as well as for assessing the functional state of patients with chronic lateral instability of the ankle joint to assess the dynamics of changes in the treatment process.

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