scholarly journals Interobserver Variability of the Diagnosis of Scaphoid Proximal Pole Fractures

2018 ◽  
Vol 07 (04) ◽  
pp. 350-354
Author(s):  
Reinier Beks ◽  
Tessa Drijkoningen ◽  
Femke Claessen ◽  
Thierry Guitton ◽  
David Ring ◽  
...  

Purpose Fractures of the proximal pole of the scaphoid are prone to adverse outcomes such as nonunion and avascular necrosis. Distinction of scaphoid proximal pole fractures from waist fractures is important for management but it is unclear if the distinction is reliable. Methods A consecutive series of 29 scaphoid fractures from one tertiary hospital was collected consisting of 5 scaphoid proximal pole and 24 scaphoid waist fractures. Fifty-seven members of the Science of Variation Group (SOVG) were randomized to diagnose fracture location and displacement by using radiographs alone or radiographs and a computed tomography (CT) scan. Results Observers reviewing radiographs alone and observers reviewing radiographs and CT scans both had substantial agreement on fracture location (κ = 0.82 and κ = 0.80, respectively; p = 0.54). Both groups had only fair agreement on fracture displacement (κ = 0.28 and κ = 0.35, respectively; p = 0.029). Conclusion Proximal pole fractures are sufficiently distinct from proximal waist fractures that CT does not improve reliability of diagnosis. Level of Evidence Level IV interobserver reliability case-control study.

2019 ◽  
Vol 08 (06) ◽  
pp. 446-451
Author(s):  
Tessa Drijkoningen ◽  
Amin Mohamadi ◽  
Wouter F. van Leeuwen ◽  
Yonatan Schwarcz ◽  
David Ring ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective To analyze the reproducibility, reliability, and demographics of a simplified anatomical scaphoid fracture classification based on posteroanterior radiographs using a large database of scaphoid fractures. Methods The study consisted of a retrospective review of electronic medical records of 871 consecutive patients. All patients presented between 2003 and 2014 at two centers. Patient- and surgeon-related factors were analyzed. Additionally, interobserver reliability of the Herbert and simplified scaphoid fracture classifications were tested. Results Proximal pole fractures were defined as fractures in which the center of the fracture line was proximal to the distal scapholunate interval (n = 30), waist fractures (n = 802) were defined as fractures involving the scaphocapitate interval, and distal tubercle fractures (n = 39) were defined as fractures involving the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) interval. The interobserver reliability of the simplified classification was fair (κ = 0.37) as for the Herbert classification (κ = 0.31). The average doubt of the answers of the observers was 2.1 on a scale from 0 to 10 for the simplified classification and 3.6 for the Herbert classification (P < 0.05). Conclusions All complete fractures across the entire scaphoid distal to the scapholunate articulation and proximal to the STT joint can be classified as waist fractures; nonwaist scaphoid fractures are uncommon (6%) and have somewhat different presentations compared to waist fractures. Simplifying the fracture classification slightly improves interobserver reliability, although remaining fair, and significantly reduces doubt. Level of Evidence This is a Level III, prognostic study.


2020 ◽  
pp. 205141582098119
Author(s):  
Benjamin Storey ◽  
Nathan Shugg ◽  
Alison Blatt

Background: Testicular torsion is an organ-threatening surgical emergency with a limited timeframe for intervention. Objective: To identify the delays to surgical exploration of patients with an acute scrotum in a tertiary hospital to prevent adverse outcomes associated with this time critical emergency. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records for all patients who underwent scrotal exploration for acute scrotal pain in a tertiary hospital in regional New South Wales between January 2008 to December 2018 was performed. Results: Retrospective review identified 242 patients, of whom 161 had testicular torsion and 56 resultant orchidectomies. No statistically significant difference in pre-hospital delays between paediatric or adult populations was found. The average time from presentation to theatre was 4 h 36 min. Patients who were delayed > 6 h from presentation to surgical exploration had significantly increased rates of orchidectomy. Delays that significantly affected rates of orchidectomy were transfer from peripheral sites, late presentation, misdiagnosis and representation after discharge. Conclusion: The most common reason for delay was diagnostic error with the patient later re-presenting to hospital. Patient transfer from the primary hospital to a tertiary institution and subsequent delayed surgical exploration also contributed to significantly higher rates of orchidectomy. Level of Evidence: 3


2020 ◽  
Vol 09 (02) ◽  
pp. 141-149
Author(s):  
Pooja Prabhakar ◽  
Lauren Wessel ◽  
Joseph Nguyen ◽  
Jeffrey Stepan ◽  
Michelle Carlson ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Nonunion after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of scaphoid fractures is reported in 5 to 30% of cases; however, predictors of nonunion are not clearly defined. Objective The purpose of this study is to determine fracture characteristics and surgical factors which may influence progression to nonunion after scaphoid fracture ORIF. Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective case–control study of scaphoid fractures treated by early ORIF between 2003 and 2017. Inclusion criteria were surgical fixation within 6 months from date of injury and postoperative CT with minimum clinical follow-up of 6 months to evaluate healing. Forty-eight patients were included in this study. Nonunion cases were matched by age, sex, and fracture location to patients who progressed to fracture union in the 1:2 ratio. Results This series of 48 patients matched 16 nonunion cases with 32 cases that progressed to union. Fracture location was proximal pole in 15% (7/48) and waist in 85% (41/48). Multivariate regression demonstrated that shorter length of time from injury to initial ORIF and smaller percent of proximal fracture fragment volume were significantly associated with scaphoid nonunion after ORIF (63 vs. 27 days and 34 vs. 40%, respectively). Receiver operating curve analysis revealed that fracture volume below 38% and time from injury to surgery greater than 31 days were associated with nonunion. Conclusion Increased likelihood for nonunion was found when the fracture was treated greater than 31 days from injury and when fracture volume was less than 38% of the entire scaphoid. Level of Evidence This is a Level III, therapeutic study.


2017 ◽  
Vol 07 (01) ◽  
pp. 038-042 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Gilley ◽  
Sameer Puri ◽  
Krystle Hearns ◽  
Andrew Weiland ◽  
Michelle Carlson

Background Displaced scaphoid fractures have a relatively high rate of nonunion. Detection of displacement is vital in limiting the risk of nonunion when treating scaphoid fractures. Questions/Purpose We evaluated the ability to diagnose displacement on radiographs and computed tomography (CT), hypothesizing that displacement is underestimated in assessing scaphoid fracture by radiograph compared with CT. Materials and Methods Thirty-five preoperative radiographs and CT scans of acute scaphoid fractures were evaluated by two blinded observers. Displacement and angular deformity were measured, and the fracture was judged as displaced or nondisplaced. Scapholunate, radiolunate, and intrascaphoid angles were measured. Radiograph and CT measurements between nondisplaced and displaced fractures were compared. Intraobserver reliability was measured. Results  Reader 1 identified 12 fractures as nondisplaced on radiograph, but displaced on CT (34%). Reader 2 identified 9 fractures as nondisplaced on radiograph, but displaced on CT (26%). For displaced fractures, the mean intrascaphoid angle was over three times greater when measured on CT than on radiograph (56 vs. 16 degrees). Scapholunate angle >65 degrees and radiolunate angle >16 degrees were significantly associated with displacement on CT. Interobserver reliability for diagnosing displacement was perfect on CT but less reliable on radiograph. Conclusion Scaphoid fracture displacement on CT was identified in 26 to 34% of fractures that were nondisplaced on radiograph, confirming that radiographic evaluation alone underestimates displacement. These results underscore the importance of CT scan in determining displacement and angular deformity when evaluating scaphoid fractures, as it may alter the decision on treatment and surgical approach to the fracture. We recommend considering CT scan to evaluate all scaphoid fractures. Level of Evidence Level III.


2009 ◽  
Vol 37 (8) ◽  
pp. 1627-1631 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pieter M. Sengkerij ◽  
Robert-Jan de Vos ◽  
Adam Weir ◽  
Bert J. G. van Weelde ◽  
Johannes L. Tol

Background Power Doppler ultrasonography is widely used to examine neovascularization in midportion Achilles tendinopathy. The reliability of the grading of the degree of neovascularization has not been examined previously. Hypothesis Power Doppler ultrasonography can be performed with a high interobserver reliability to determine the neovascularization score in patients with midportion Achilles tendinopathy. Study Design Case control study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 4. Methods Thirty-three symptomatic and 17 asymptomatic Achilles tendons from 25 consecutive patients were included for ultrasound examination. Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment–Achilles score was used to assess the severity of the Achilles tendinopathy. Each tendon was scored twice by different radiologists using the modified Öhberg score for neovascularization. Results The intraclass correlation coefficient for interobserver reliability was 0.85. Neovascularization was observed in 70% (23/33) of the symptomatic tendons and in 29% (5/17) of the asymptomatic tendons. The Spearman correlation coefficient between the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment–Achilles score and the degree of neovascularization was −0.16 (P =. 10). Conclusion An excellent interobserver reliability was found for determining the degree of neovascularization on power Doppler ultrasonography examination. Neovessels were present in a majority of symptomatic tendons. The severity of symptoms was not correlated with the neovascularization score. Clinical Relevance Power Doppler ultrasonography is widely used to evaluate tendinopathy without knowledge of the difference in observations between several testers. Interobserver reliability of the evaluation of the degree of neovascularization in chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy is excellent.


2018 ◽  
Vol 07 (04) ◽  
pp. 319-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Schreiber ◽  
Lana Kang ◽  
Krystle Hearns ◽  
Tracy Pickar ◽  
Michelle Carlson

Background Achieving adequate fixation and healing of small proximal pole acute scaphoid fractures can be surgically challenging due to both fragment size and tenuous vascularity. Purpose The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that this injury can be managed successfully with osteosynthesis using a “micro” small diameter compression screw with distal radius bone graft with leading and trailing screw threads less than 2.8 mm. Patients and Methods Patients with proximal pole scaphoid fragments comprising less than 20% of the entire scaphoid were included. Fixation was accomplished from a dorsal approach with a micro headless compression screw and distal radius bone graft. Six patients were included. Average follow-up was 44 months (range, 11–92). Results Mean proximal pole fragment size was 14% (range, 9–18%) of the entire scaphoid. The mean immobilization time was 6 weeks, time-to-union of 6 weeks, and final flexion/extension arc of 88°/87°. All patients had a successful union, and no patient had deterioration in range of motion, avascular necrosis, or fragmentation of the proximal pole. Conclusion Small diameter screws with a maximal thread diameter of ≤ 2.8 mm can be used to fix the union of proximal pole acute scaphoid fractures comprising less than 20% of the total area with good success. Level of Evidence Therapeutic case series, Level IV.


Hand Surgery ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (01) ◽  
pp. 27-33
Author(s):  
Sameh El-Sallakh ◽  
Weam Mousa ◽  
Tarek Aly

Introduction: Untreated ununited scaphoid fractures will almost inevitably progress to radiographic and symptomatic osteoarthritis of the wrist. This may lead to subsequent morbidity and lifelong disability especially in young males in which the fracture scaphoid is more common. Patients and methods: Twenty-one patients presenting non-united fracture scaphoid were operated upon by using disto-proximal bone peg technique with average time between injury and operation as 11 months (6–18 months). All of them male with average age of 26 years (17–35 years). There were 17 patients with fracture waist (80.9%) and four patients with fracture proximal pole (19.1%). Results: Anatomy of the wrist was restored and radiological healing confirmed in 17/21, partial healing in 3/21 and non-union in 3/21 patients. Eighteen patients (85.7%) were graded as satisfactory, 5 patients (23.8%) were graded as excellent, ten patients (47.6%) were graded as good, and three patients (14.3%) were graded as fair. The remaining three patients (14.3%) were graded as unsatisfactory. Conclusion: We conclude that the disto-proximal bone peg technique of taking the graft from the ipsilateral ulna without using any metal work for fixing scaphoid non-union fracture is a reliable, easy, and inexpensive alternative method. However, we would not recommend it for the non-union of the scaphoid proximal pole fracture. Also we find the time lag before operation is one of the most important factors to achieve union in non-united fractures of the scaphoid. Level of evidence: Therapeutic case series, level 1V.


2021 ◽  
pp. 175319342110409
Author(s):  
Anne Eva J. Bulstra ◽  
Rami M. A. Al-Dirini ◽  
Arthur Turow ◽  
Miriam G. E. Oldhoff ◽  
Kimberley Bryant ◽  
...  

We aimed to assess the influence of fracture location and comminution on acute scaphoid fracture displacement using three-dimensional CT. CT scans of 51 adults with an acute scaphoid fracture were included. Three-dimensional CT was used to assess fracture location, comminution and displacement. Fracture location was expressed as the height of the cortical breach on the volar and dorsal side of the scaphoid relative to total scaphoid length (%), corresponding to the fracture’s entry and exit point, respectively. We found a near-linear relation between dorsal fracture location and displacement. As dorsal fracture location became more distal, translation (ulnar, proximal, volar) and angulation (flexion, pronation) of the distal fragment relative to the proximal fragment increased. Comminuted fractures had more displacement. Dorsal fracture location predictably dictates the direction of translation and angulation in displaced scaphoid fractures. Surgeon attention to dorsal fracture location can help identify displacement patterns and provide guidance in adequately reducing a displaced scaphoid fracture. Level of evidence: III


2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 290-293
Author(s):  
Gustavo Chaves Nacif ◽  
Fernando Moises Jose Pedro ◽  
Vinicius Ynoe de Moraes ◽  
Marcela Fernandes ◽  
João Carlos Bellot

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify how hand surgeons manage scaphoid fractures and their complications. Methods: Two hundred questionnaires were distributed during the 36th Brazilian Hand Surgery Congress (2016). Results: On suspicion of fracture without radiographic confirmation, 57% of surgeons request a CT or MRI scan, while 43% opt for immobilization and consecutive radiographs. In stable fractures the preference was for treatment with plaster cast. In fractures with no scaphoid waist displacement, 33% opt for percutaneous fixation. In displaced waist or proximal pole fractures, 66% and 99.4%, respectively, opted for surgical treatment. Most surgeons treat waist nonunion with a nonvascularized bone graft. When absorption at the site of nonunion is greater than 4 mm, 50% prefer to use iliac graft and screw fixation. In proximal pole nonunion, the Zaidemberg technique is preferred by 64%. More experienced surgeons are more likely to request tests in occult fractures (63.9% versus 47.6%; p=0.04), and tend to recommend surgery for distal third fractures more frequently (16.4% versus 4.7%; p=0.02). Conclusions: We have provided an overview of treatment preferences for scaphoid fractures. It should be noted that more experienced surgeons are more likely to request additional tests for occult fractures and to recommend surgical treatment of distal third fractures. Level of Evidence IV, Cross-sectional survey.


Hand ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 384-387
Author(s):  
Thomas M. Suszynski ◽  
Oded Ben-Amotz ◽  
Jennifer S. Kargel ◽  
Robert Bass ◽  
Douglas M. Sammer

Background: Isolated scaphoid fractures (ISFs) are common, whereas transscaphoid fracture-dislocations (TSFDs) are not. Scaphoid fracture location and the extent of comminution are factors that affect treatment and outcome. The purpose of this study is to compare the radiographic characteristics of ISFs with TSFDs associated with greater arc injury. Methods: This study is a retrospective review of all ISFs and TSFDs that presented to our institution during a 5-year period. Fracture location (along the long axis of the scaphoid) was calculated by dividing the distance from the proximal pole to the fracture by the entire length of the scaphoid. The extent of comminution was measured in millimeters along the mid-axis of the scaphoid and divided by the entire length of the scaphoid. Results: One-hundred thirty-eight scaphoid fractures in 137 patients were identified. One-hundred twelve fractures (81%) were ISFs, and 26 (19%) were associated with a TSFD. The mean fracture location was more proximal in TSFDs than in ISFs. However, fractures occurred in the distal third of the scaphoid in 12% of ISFs compared with 0% of TSFDs. Nine percent of ISFs demonstrated comminution as compared with 12% of TSFDs. Extent of comminution was 16% and 28% for ISFs and TSFDs, respectively. Conclusion: Scaphoid fractures associated with greater arc injuries are located more proximally and are more comminuted than ISFs, and distal pole fractures rarely occur in the setting of TSFDs. The increased incidence and extent of comminution in TSFDs may be suggestive of a higher energy injury mechanism.


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