scholarly journals REPRODUCIBILITY OF S2-ALAR ILIAC SCREW MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-100
Author(s):  
MARIANA DEMÉTRIO DE SOUSA PONTES ◽  
LUCAS AMÉRICO FRANCISCO ◽  
LUCAS KLAROSK ISMAEL ◽  
CARLOS FERNANDO PEREIRA DA SILVA HERRERO
Keyword(s):  
Morphometric Analysis ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Interobserver Reliability ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Intraobserver Reliability ◽  
Axial Plane ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Screw Length ◽  
Trajectory Angle

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the reproducibility of a S2-alar iliac (S2AI) screw parameters measurement method by inter and intraobserver reliability. Methods: Cross-sectional study, considering computed tomography exams. Morphometric analysis was performed by multiplanar reconstructions. Screw length, diameter and trajectory angles were the studied variables. To analyze the measurements reproducibility, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used. Results: Interobserver reliability was classified as strong for screw shortest length (ICC: 0.742) and diameter (ICC: 0.699). Interobserver reliability was classified as moderate for screw longest length (ICC: 0.553) and for screw trajectory angles in the axial plane for the longest (ICC: 0.478) and for the shortest lengths (ICC: 0.591). Intraobserver reliability was interpreted as excellent for screw shortest (ICC: 0.932) and longest lengths (ICC: 0.962) and diameter (ICC: 0.770) and screw trajectory angles in the axial plane for the screw longest (ICC: 0.773) and shortest lengths (ICC: 0.862). There were weak interobserver and strong intraobserver reliabilities for trajectory angle in sagittal plane, but no statistical significance was found. Conclusion: Inter and intraobserver reliability of S2AI screw morphometric parameters were interpreted from moderate to excellent in almost all studied variables, except for the screw trajectory angle in the sagittal plane measurement. Level of Evidence IV, Diagnostic Studies - Investigating a Diagnostic Test.

scholarly journals Establishing a New Bony Landmark for Safe Screw Insertion in Medial Displacement Calcaneal Osteotomy: A Simulation-Based Approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0029
Author(s):  
Jaeyoung Kim ◽  
Jonathan Day
Keyword(s):  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Axial Plane ◽  
Osteotomy Site ◽  
Bony Landmark ◽  
Screw Insertion ◽  
Sinus Tarsi ◽  
Calcaneal Osteotomy ◽  
Bony Landmarks ◽  
Screw Length ◽  
Trajectory Angle

Category: Hindfoot; Other Introduction/Purpose: Medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy (MDCO) is a commonly performed procedure in flatfoot reconstruction. Fixation is often achieved with screws due to its ability to compress across the osteotomy site. Screws are placed via a free-handed technique without direct fluoroscopic visualization, due to difficulty attaining a simultaneous axial calcaneal view. In addition, the posterior calcaneal tuber translates medially after displacement, resulting in altered anatomical geometry. It is therefore important to establish a reliable external bony landmark when performing free-handed interfragmentary fixation in order to avoid potential screw-related complications and to provide better surgical technique and fixation. The purposes of this study are to validate a new external bony landmark and to establish the appropriate trajectory and screw length for free-hand screw fixation in MDCO. Methods: A total of 84 postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans of MDCO in 70 patients were analyzed. The images were reconstructed using a 3-dimensional simulation program (Vworks 4.0, Cybermed). Virtual screw insertion was simulated by aiming towards two bony landmarks: the base of the 5th metatarsal in the axial plane, and the sinus tarsi in the sagittal plane (Figure 1). A grading system was also utilized to classify scenarios in which the screw breached the distal cortical wall: Grade 1 was defined as contact between the virtual screw and the cortex, Grade 2 as the screw approaching the outer margin of the cortex, and Grade 3 as the screw penetrating the outer cortex. The trajectory angle between the screw and the osteotomy, as well as the screw size, were also measured. Results: The average age of patients was 24.5 (range, 19 to 53), and 100% were males. The average displacement of the posterior calcaneal fragment was 7.3+-1.5 mm (range, 3.9 to 13.8). Among the 84 virtual screws, only five (6.0%) breached the medial cortical wall of the osteotomized calcaneus. All medial breaches were Grade 1. None of the virtual screws breached the lateral cortical wall. Mean trajectory angle between the virtual screw and the osteotomy site was 74.9+-6.7˚ (range, 60.0 to 89.8˚). In the perioperative data, estimated maximum screw length by simulation was 55.6+-4.4 mm (range, 50 to 65). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the optimal trajectory of free-handed screw placement can be determined through simulation of calcaneal interfragmentary screw insertion using postoperative CT imaging. Using this simulation technology, we determined a trajectory towards the sinus tarsi on the sagittal plane and the base of the 5th metatarsal on the axial plane to be a reliable external bony landmark for placement of screws in MDCO. These promising results have potential implications in achieving better fixation as well as improving union rates and operative outcomes.

Novel Arthroscopic Classification of Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (7) ◽  
pp. 1694-1698 ◽  
Author(s):  
James L. Carey ◽  
Eric J. Wall ◽  
Nathan L. Grimm ◽  
Theodore J. Ganley ◽  
Eric W. Edmonds ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Osteochondritis Dissecans ◽  
Classification System ◽  
Interobserver Reliability ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Intraobserver Reliability ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Multicenter Studies ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Surgical Evaluation

Background: Several systems have been proposed for classifying osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee during surgical evaluation. No single classification includes mutually exclusive categories that capture all of the salient features of stability, chondral fissuring, and fragment detachment. Furthermore, no study has assessed the reliability of these classification systems. Purpose: To determine the intra- and interobserver reliability of a novel, comprehensive arthroscopic classification system with mutually exclusive OCD lesion types. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The Research in OsteoChondritis of the Knee (ROCK) study group developed a classification system for arthroscopic evaluation of OCD of the knee that includes 6 arthroscopic categories—3 immobile types and 3 mobile types. To optimize comprehensibility and applicability, each was developed with a memorable name, a brief description, a line diagram corresponding to the archetypal arthroscopic appearance, and an arthroscopic photograph depicting this archetype. Thirty representative arthroscopic videos were evaluated by 10 orthopaedic surgeon raters, who classified each lesion. After 4 weeks, the raters again classified the OCD lesions depicted in the 30 videos in a new, randomly selected order. Reliability was assessed via the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: The interobserver reliability of this novel arthroscopy classification was estimated by an ICC of 0.94 (95% CI, 0.91-0.97) for the first round and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.93-0.98) for the second round. According to the standards for the magnitude of the reliability coefficient of Altman, these ICCs indicate that interobserver reliability was very good. The intraobserver reliability was estimated by an ICC of 0.96 (95% CI, 0.95-0.97), which indicates that the intraobserver reliability was similarly very good. Conclusion: The ROCK OCD knee arthroscopy classification system demonstrated excellent intra- and interobserver reliability. In light of this reliability, this classification system may be used clinically and to facilitate future research, including multicenter studies for OCD.

Interobserver Reliability and Change in the Sagittal Tibial Tubercle–Trochlear Groove Distance with Increasing Knee Flexion Angles

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian S. MacLean ◽  
Taylor M. Southworth ◽  
Ian J. Dempsey ◽  
Neal B. Naveen ◽  
Hailey P. Huddleston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Interobserver Reliability ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Flexion Angle ◽  
Tibial Tubercle ◽  
Trochlear Groove ◽  
Knee Flexion Angle ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficients

AbstractThe tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance is currently utilized to evaluate knee alignment in patients with patellar instability. Sagittal plane pathology measured by the sagittal tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (sTT-TG) distance has been described in instability but may also be important to consider in patients with cartilage injury. This study aims to (1) describe interobserver reliability of the sTT-TG distance and (2) characterize the change in the sTT-TG distance with respect to changing knee flexion angles. In this cadaveric study, six nonpaired cadaveric knees underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies at each of the following degrees of knee flexion: −5, 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20. The sTT-TG distance was measured on the axial T2 sequence. Four reviewers measured this distance for each cadaver at each flexion angle. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to determine interobserver reliability and reproducibility of the sTT-TG measurement. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests and Friedman's tests with a Bonferroni's correction were performed for each cadaver to compare sTT-TG distances at each flexion angle. Significance was defined as p < 0.05. There was excellent interobserver reliability of the sTT-TG distance with all intraclass correlation coefficients >0.9. The tibial tubercle progressively becomes more posterior in relation to the trochlear groove (more negative sTT-TG distance) with increasing knee flexion. The sTT-TG distance is a measurement that is reliable between attending surgeons and across training levels. The sTT-TG distance is affected by small changes in knee flexion angle. Awareness of knee flexion angle on MRI is important when this measurement is utilized by surgeons.

Association Between 45° Flexion Anteroposterior Elbow Radiographs and Diagnostic Accuracy of Capitellum Osteochondritis Dissecans

2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110271
Author(s):  
Michael G. Saper ◽  
Viviana Bompadre ◽  
Gregory A. Schmale ◽  
Sarah Menashe ◽  
Monique Burton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Osteochondritis Dissecans ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Interobserver Reliability ◽  
Intraobserver Reliability ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Level Of Confidence ◽  
High Level ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Background: An anteroposterior (AP) radiograph of the elbow in 45° of flexion has been suggested to increase the diagnostic accuracy of capitellum osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). Purpose: To assess the diagnostic performance, inter- and intraobserver reliability, and confidence level for identifying capitellum OCD using plain radiographs (AP, lateral, and 45° flexion AP). Study Design: Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This was a retrospective study of pediatric and adolescent patients with capitellum OCD and a control group. Six independent clinicians who were blinded to the official radiologists’ reports reviewed images on 2 separate occasions, 1 week apart. A 5-point Likert scale was used to assess the clinicians’ level of confidence. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were calculated for individual and combinations of radiographic views. Inter- and intraobserver reliability was determined using Cohen kappa (κ) coefficients. Results: A total of 28 elbows (mean age, 12.5 ± 2 years) were included. There were no differences in age ( P = .18), sex ( P = .62), or laterality ( P > .999) between groups. There were marked variations in the diagnostic accuracy between views: sensitivity (AP, 85.1; lateral, 73.2; 45° flexion AP, 91.7), specificity (AP, 89.3; lateral, 91.7; 45° flexion AP, 91.1), PPV (AP, 88.8; lateral, 89.8; 45° flexion AP, 91.1), NPV (AP, 85.7; lateral, 77.4; 45° flexion AP, 91.6), and accuracy (AP, 87.2; lateral, 82.4; 45° flexion AP, 91.4). Standard radiographs (AP and lateral views) failed to diagnose capitellum OCD in 4.8% of cases. The sensitivity of the 3 combined views was 100%. Confidence intervals in the clinicians’ diagnostic assessments were similar for each view (AP, 4.0; lateral, 4.0; and 45° flexion AP, 4.1). Interobserver reliability was substantial for AP and lateral views (κ = 0.65 and κ = 0.60, respectively) but highest for the 45° flexion AP radiographs (κ = 0.72). Intraobserver reliability for the 45° flexion AP view was moderate to almost perfect (κ = 0.45 to 0.93). Conclusion: The 45° flexion AP view can detect capitellum OCD with excellent accuracy, a high level of confidence, and substantial interobserver agreement. When added to standard AP and lateral radiographs, the 45° flexion AP view aids in the identification of capitellum OCD.

3D Biometrics for Hindfoot Alignment Using Weightbearing Computed Tomography

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 720-726 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Zhong Zhang ◽  
François Lintz ◽  
Alessio Bernasconi ◽  
Shu Zhang ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Comparative Study ◽  
Interobserver Reliability ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Hindfoot Alignment ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Prospective Comparative Study

Background: Weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) is a useful tool for the assessment of hindfoot alignment (HA). Foot ankle offset (FAO) is a recently introduced parameter, determined from WBCT images using semiautomatic software. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical relevance and reproducibility of FAO for the evaluation of HA. Methods: A prospective comparative study was performed on consecutive patients requiring bilateral WBCT between September 2017 and April 2018. Based on the clinical assessment of HA, patients were divided into 3 groups: (1) normal alignment group (G1), (2) valgus (G2), and (3) varus (G3). FAO and long axial view (HACT) were measured on WBCT images, and the groups were compared. The reproducibility of FAO and HACT was determined through intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Regression analysis was performed to investigate the correlation between the 2 methods. Overall, 249 feet (126 patients) were included (G1 = 115, G2 = 78, and G3 = 56 feet). Results: The mean values for FAO and HACT were 1.2% ± 2.8% and 3.9 ± 3.1, respectively, in G1; 8.1% ± 3.7% and 9.7 ± 4.9 in G2; and −6.6% ± 4.8% and −8.2 ± 6.6 in G3. Intra- and interobserver reliability was 0.987 and 0.988 for FAO and 0.949 and 0.949 for HACT, respectively. There was a good linear correlation between HACT and FAO ( R2 = 0.744), with a regression slope of 1.064. Conclusions: WBCT was a useful method for the characterization of HA. FAO was reproducible and correlated well with physical examination. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.

scholarly journals High Reproducibility of an Automated Measurement of Mobility for Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (10) ◽  
pp. 1383-1388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan L. Garrido-Castro ◽  
Rafael Curbelo ◽  
Ramón Mazzucchelli ◽  
María E. Domínguez-González ◽  
Cristina Gonzalez-Navas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Axial Spondyloarthritis ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Interobserver Reliability ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Disease Activity Index ◽  
Intraobserver Reliability ◽  
Spinal Mobility ◽  
Video Capture

Objective.Conventional measures of spinal mobility used in the assessment of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), such as the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index and its components, are subject to interobserver variability. The University of Córdoba Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (UCOASMI) is a validated composite index based on a motion video-capture system, UCOTrack. Our objective was to assess its reproducibility in clinical practice settings.Methods.We carried out an observational study of repeated measures in 3 centers. Video-capture systems were installed and adapted to clinical rooms. Patients with axSpA and stable disease were selected by consecutive stratified sampling [disease duration, sex, and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI)]. Intraobserver reliability of the UCOASMI and of conventional measures was tested 3–5 days apart. For interobserver reliability, 3 patients from each center were evaluated in the other centers, within 3–7 days. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated.Results.Thirty patients were included (73% men, mean age 53 yrs, mean BASDAI 3.0). Interobserver and intraobserver ICC of the UCOASMI was 0.98. Conventional measurements showed lower but adequate reproducibility as well, except for interobserver reliability of lateral flexion (0.41), cervical rotation (0.61), and Schöber test (0.07), and intraobserver reliability of tragus-to-wall distance (0.30).Conclusion.Reproducibility of the UCOASMI seems very high, and apparently more reliable than conventional measures of mobility.

scholarly journals Comparison of Reliability of Norberg Angle and Distraction Index as Measurements for Hip Laxity in Dogs

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (04) ◽  
pp. 274-278
Author(s):  
Julius Klever ◽  
Andreas Brühschwein ◽  
Silvia Wagner ◽  
Sven Reese ◽  
Andrea Meyer-Lindenberg
Keyword(s):  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Hip Joint ◽  
Interobserver Reliability ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Joint Laxity ◽  
Intraobserver Reliability ◽  
Level Of Experience ◽  
Norberg Angle

Abstract Objective The main purpose of the study was to compare reliability of measurements for the evaluation of hip joint laxity in 59 dogs. Materials and Methods Measurement of the distraction index (DI) of the PennHIP method and the Norberg angle (NA) of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) scoring scheme as well as scoring according to the FCI scheme and the Swiss scoring scheme were performed by three observers at different level of experience. For each dog, two radiographs were acquired with each method by the same operator to evaluate intraoperator-reliability. Results Intraoperator-reliability was slightly better for the NA compared with the DI with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.962 and 0.892 respectively. The ICC showed excellent results in intraobserver-reliability and interobserver-reliability for both the NA (ICC 0.975; 0.969) and the DI (ICC 0.986; 0.972). Thus, the NA as well as the DI can be considered as reliable measurements. The FCI scheme and the Swiss scoring scheme provide similar reliability. While the FCI scheme seems to be slightly more reliable in experienced observers (Kappa FCI 0.687; Kappa Swiss 0.681), the Swiss scoring scheme had a noticeable better reliability for the unexperienced observer (Kappa FCI 0.465; Kappa Swiss 0.514). Clinical Significance The Swiss scoring scheme provides a structured guideline for the interpretation of hip radiographs and can thus be recommended to unexperienced observers.

scholarly journals The Evaluation of Trochlear Osseous Morphology: An Epidemiologic Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7_suppl6) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0044
Author(s):  
Sercan Yalçin ◽  
Gabriel Onor ◽  
Scott Kaar ◽  
lee Pace ◽  
Paolo Ferrua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Normal Population ◽  
Trochlear Dysplasia ◽  
Interobserver Reliability ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Epidemiologic Study ◽  
Intraobserver Reliability ◽  
Severe Dysplasia ◽  
Mild Dysplasia ◽  
Study Population

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of the trochlear dysplasia in our study population. Methods: We obtained 692 skeletally mature femoral specimens from the [Blinded Institution], [Blinded Collection]. Five observers were asked to evaluate each specimen for trochlear dysplasia on a scale between 0 and 3 (0 – normal/no dysplasia; 1 – mild dysplasia; 2 – moderate dysplasia; 3 – severe dysplasia). Each observer made initial evaluations for interobserver reliability. Each observer then re-evaluated each specimen one month later to determine intraobserver reliability. We evaluated inter and intraobserver reliability utilizing intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). All statistics were performed with SPSS v.25 (IBM, USA). Results: The interobserver ICC of first and second evaluation of all observers were found to be 0.906 [0.894-0,916] and 0.904 [0.892-0.915], respectively. The intraobserver ICC of observers were as follows: Reviewer1: 0.799 [0.771-0.825]; Reviewer2: 0.686 [0.645-0.724]; Reviewer3: 0.808 [0.781-0.832]; Reviewer4: 0.787 [0.757-0.814]; Reviewer5: 0.778 [0.747-0.806]. These results show intra and interobserver correlation was good to excellent. The percentages of normal trochlea, mild dysplasia, moderate dysplasia and severe dysplasia for first evaluation, by reviewer, are as follows: Reviewer 1: 82.7%, 12.1%, 4.0%, 1.2%; Reviewer 2: 37.3%, 26.2%, 27.5%, 9.1%; Reviewer 3: 57.9%, 28.0%, 12.1%, 1.9%; Reviewer 4: 64.2%, 25.6%, 7.7%, 2.6%; Reviewer 5: 65.6%, 14.9%, 12.3%, 7.2%. The percentages of normal trochlea, mild dysplasia, moderate dysplasia and severe dysplasia for second evaluation, by reviewer, are as follows: Reviewer 1: 78.8%, 16.6%, 3.6%, 1.0%; Reviewer 2: 40.3%, 26.4%, 23.3%, 10.0%; Reviewer 3: 42.2%,35.1%, 18.8%, 3.9%; Reviewer 4: 57.4%, 31.9%, 8.2%, 2.5%; Reviewer 5: 73.7%, 8.2%, 9.7%, 8.4%. In total, the percentages of normal trochlea, mild dysplasia, moderate dysplasia and severe dysplasia were 60.00%, 22.51%, 12.72%, 4.77%; respectively. Conclusions: This study shows that although there was no absolute criteria to grade trochlear dysplasia, observers had similar opinions on the degree of dysplasia. Also, our cohort shows that moderate to severe dysplasia is not uncommon as it is present in around 17% of knees in our cohort. This is the first epidemiologic study evaluating the prevalence of trochlear dysplasia in the normal population.

Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score: An Analysis of Reliability and Validity From the Spine Oncology Study Group

2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (22) ◽  
pp. 3072-3077 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daryl R. Fourney ◽  
Evan M. Frangou ◽  
Timothy C. Ryken ◽  
Christian P. DiPaola ◽  
Christopher I. Shaffrey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Validity ◽  
Interobserver Reliability ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Intraobserver Reliability ◽  
Spinal Tumors ◽  
Spinal Instability ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Reliable Classification

PurposeStandardized indications for treatment of tumor-related spinal instability are hampered by the lack of a valid and reliable classification system. The objective of this study was to determine the interobserver reliability, intraobserver reliability, and predictive validity of the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS).MethodsClinical and radiographic data from 30 patients with spinal tumors were classified as stable, potentially unstable, and unstable by members of the Spine Oncology Study Group. The median category for each patient case (consensus opinion) was used as the gold standard for predictive validity testing. On two occasions at least 6 weeks apart, each rater also scored each patient using SINS. Each total score was converted into a three-category data field, with 0 to 6 as stable, 7 to 12 as potentially unstable, and 13 to 18 as unstable.ResultsThe κ statistics for interobserver reliability were 0.790, 0.841, 0.244, 0.456, 0.462, and 0.492 for the fields of location, pain, bone quality, alignment, vertebral body collapse, and posterolateral involvement, respectively. The κ statistics for intraobserver reliability were 0.806, 0.859, 0.528, 0.614, 0.590, and 0.662 for the same respective fields. Intraclass correlation coefficients for inter- and intraobserver reliability of total SINS score were 0.846 (95% CI, 0.773 to 0.911) and 0.886 (95% CI, 0.868 to 0.902), respectively. The κ statistic for predictive validity was 0.712 (95% CI, 0.676 to 0.766).ConclusionSINS demonstrated near-perfect inter- and intraobserver reliability in determining three clinically relevant categories of stability. The sensitivity and specificity of SINS for potentially unstable or unstable lesions were 95.7% and 79.5%, respectively.

scholarly journals Reliability of the “Clinical Tibiofibular Line” Technique for Open Syndesmosis Reduction Assessment

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011417S0003
Author(s):  
Christopher Reb ◽  
Gregory Berlet ◽  
Daniel Herman
Keyword(s):  
Interobserver Reliability ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Distal Tibia ◽  
Intraobserver Reliability ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Tibial Tubercle ◽  
Open Technique ◽  
Cost Constraints ◽  
Anterior Tibial ◽  
Measurement Series

Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: When intraoperative CT is unavailable, open syndesmosis assessment is a universally available safe alternative that is more accurate than radiographic assessment. However, it has a documented malreduction rate of up to 16%. This may be improved by a validated technique for assessing the accuracy of the open syndesmosis reduction but none currently exists. The ‘tibiofibular line’ (TFL) was described as a tangential line between the flat anterolateral surface of the distal fibula and the anterolateral tubercle of the distal tibia as viewed on ankle axial CT images 10 millimeters (mm) above the plafond (Figure 1a). This finding was sensitive for syndesmosis malreduction. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of adapting the CT-based TFL method into a reliable intraoperative open technique. Methods: This was an IRB-exempt study utilizing 10 cadaveric lower limbs. Three observers were instructed to clinically simulate the TFL by using two surgical rulers. The axial plane was marked 10 mm above the tibial plafond (Figure 1b and 1c). The first ruler was held tangent to the flat anterolateral surface of the fibula (Figure 1d). Then, it was advanced anteromedially until it either contacted or overhung the anterior tibial tubercle (Figure 1e). Then, a second ruler was used to measure the narrowest distance between the first ruler and anterior tibial tubercle (Figure 1f). Observers repeated and recorded clinical TFL measurements three times per measurement series. Four measurement series were conducted: one with syndesmosis intact followed by three series with sagittal plane fibular displacements of known magnitudes. Intraclass correlation was used to assess intraobserver and interobserver reliability. Accuracy of clinical TFL measurements was not assessed due to lack of CT. Results: The three observers generated a total of 1080 clinical TFL measurements. Mean intraobserver reliability was 0.88 (range, 0.72 to 0.98). For observers 1, 2, and 3, respectively, mean intraobserver reliability was 0.92 (range, 0.86 to 0.98), 0.92 (range, 0.78 to 0.98), and 0.80 (range, 0.72 to 0.97). Mean interobserver reliability was 0.75 (range, 0.68 to 0.93). Both intraobserver and interobserver reliability were highest for anatomic syndesmosis reduction (Intraobserver reliability mean 0.97, range, 0.96 to 0.98; Interobserver reliability 0.93) and lowest for the greatest magnitude of malreduction (Intraobserver reliability mean 0.81, range, 0.76 to 0.88; Interobserver reliability 0.77). Conclusion: Intraoperative computed tomography is the gold standard for syndesmosis reduction assessment but its availability is limited due to feasibility and cost constraints. The importance of the current study is the concept of translating the objectivity of a CT-based technique into the otherwise highly subjective open technique. The current findings indicate that this can be done with excellent to near perfect intraobserver and good to excellent interobserver reliability. Future work is merited to assess the accuracy of the clinical TFL measurements against a CT facilitated TFL measurement.

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