Inter- and intra-reliability of Cobb angle measurement in pediatric scoliosis using PACS (picture archiving and communication systems methods) for clinicians with various levels of experience

Abstract

Background: Scoliosis is a common spinal malformation, which is typically diagnosed and assessed for severity by measuring the Cobb angle on a plain radiograph. Although manual methods are still considered the gold standard, recent studies have shown that picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) methods have comparable intraobserver and interobserver reliability levels for experienced clinicians. However, there is limited data for these reliability measures using PACS in less experienced medical personnel and radiologist. The objective of this study was to determine if inter- or intra-reliability differs for clinicians with different experience levels and if PACS provides adequate inter- or intra-reliability.