Lysholm Knee ScoreKnee Ligament Function Scoring SystemPatient GuideLimpNone5 ptsSlight/periodic3 ptsSevere/constant0 ptsSupportNone5 ptsStick/crutch2 ptsWeight bearing impossible0 ptsLockingNo locking/catching15 ptsCatching but no locking10 ptsLocking occasionally6 ptsLocking frequently2 ptsLocked on exam0 ptsInstabilityNever gives way25 ptsRarely (sports)20 ptsFrequently (sports)15 ptsOccasionally (ADL)10 ptsOften (ADL)5 ptsEvery step0 ptsPainNone25 ptsIntermittent (sports)20 ptsMarked (sports)15 ptsMarked (walking)10 ptsMarked (rest)5 ptsConstant0 ptsSwellingNone10 ptsAfter heavy exertion6 ptsAfter normal exertion2 ptsConstant0 ptsStairsNo problem10 ptsSlightly impaired6 ptsOne step at a time2 ptsUnable0 ptsSquattingNo problem5 ptsSlightly impaired4 ptsNot past 90°2 ptsUnable0 ptsScore SummaryLimp5/5Support5/5Locking15/15Instability25/25Pain25/25Swelling10/10Stairs10/10Squatting5/5Compute Lysholm ScoreReset DefaultsGuidelines & EvidenceWhen to UseHow it WorksClinical PearlsNext StepsThe EvidenceOrigins & HistorySection 1When to UseSection 2How it WorksSection 3Clinical PearlsSection 4Next StepsSection 5The EvidenceSection 6Origins & HistoryVerifiedLast Review: 2026-07-17When to UseWhen to UseACL injury and reconstruction outcomesMulti-ligament knee injury assessmentMeniscal pathology functional evaluationKnee instability quantificationSports medicine knee outcome trackingHow it WorksDomainsDomainPoints% of TotalInstability2525%Pain2525%Locking1515%Swelling1010%Stairs1010%Limp55%Support55%Squatting55%ScoringTotal Score = Sum of 8 domain scores Range: 0-100, higher = better functionClinical PearlsInterpretationScoreClassification95-100Excellent84-94Good65-83Fair<65PoorKey PointsMCID: 8-10 points for ACL reconstructionTypically used with Tegner Activity ScaleFocuses heavily on instability and pain (50% combined)Next StepsClinical Actions01Interpret total using classification thresholds02Review domain subscores to identify specific deficits03Use with Tegner Activity Scale for complete pictureThe EvidencePrimary ReferenceEvaluation of knee ligament surgery results with special emphasis on use of a scoring scaleLysholm J et al. • American Journal of Sports Medicine. 1982;10(3):150-154Origins & HistoryDevelopmentDeveloped by Lysholm and Gillquist in 1982 at the University of Linkoping, Sweden.Last Comprehensive Review: 2026-07-17
