Background and Aim: Knee ligament rupture is a common knee injury, especially among athletes. Considering the importance of treatment quality in the affected population, there is a crucial need for the collection of high-quality, standardized national-level data. This can be achieved by establishing a Minimum Data Set (MDS). The present study aimed to design a Minimum Data Set for the Knee Ligament Rupture Reconstruction Registry System in Athletes.
Materials and Methods: This applied research was conducted in 2024 using a quantitative method (descriptive-comparative and Delphi technique) across three phases. In the first phase, using a descriptive-comparative approach, the required data elements from the national registry systems of selected countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, UK) were extracted and analyzed in comparative tables. In the second phase, the data elements currently recorded for patients undergoing knee ligament rupture reconstruction surgery in Iran were identified using a descriptive data collection form. In the third phase, based on the findings from the first two phases, a preliminary MDS was designed as a questionnaire. Its validity was then assessed over two rounds using the Delphi method by a panel of experts (24 in the first round, 18 in the second). Finally, items that achieved a consensus of 75% or higher were included in the final MDS.
Results: In the review conducted on the registry systems of selected countries, including Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and England, the data elements recorded in these systems were first extracted. Subsequently, in the first phase of the study, the extracted data elements were categorized into two main categories: Administrative and clinical. The findings of this phase were obtained through their comparison in comparative tables. The findings of the second phase of the study consisted of data elements extracted from the medical records of patients who had undergone knee ligament rupture reconstruction surgery in Iran. In the third phase of the study, the final minimum data set for patients undergoing knee ligament rupture reconstruction surgery was developed based on the findings of the first and second phases of the study as well as expert opinions. This data set comprised 78 data elements organized into two sections: administrative (9 data elements) and clinical (69 data elements). In the administrative section, data classes were categorized into demographic, socioeconomic, and visit-related groups. In the clinical section, data classes were categorized into diagnostic, anthropometric, surgical, follow-up, and outcome groups.
Conclusion: The Minimum Data Set for knee ligament rupture reconstruction surgery can play a significant role in collecting high-quality data, evaluating and managing treatment quality and outcomes, and informing planning and policymaking in this field by ensuring the collection of integrated and high-quality data.
