The interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the cooney classification of distal radius fractures between experienced orthopaedic surgeons

Abstract

Various classification systems have been proposed for fractures of the distal radius, but the reliability of these classifications are seldom addressed. The objective of this study was to determine the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the Cooney classification. Five orthopaedic surgeons with more than 10 years' experience in orthopaedic trauma assessed 43 sets of radiographic files according to the Cooney classification separately. Kappa statistics were used to analyse the interobserver and intraobserver reliability. There was moderate and substantial interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the Cooney classification without subtype, but only slight reliability when the subgroups were considered. These results question the value of this classification system for treatment decision making.