Good Intraobserver Reliability Research Articles

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for the evaluation of symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid plaques: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a promising imaging modality for the assessment of plaque vulnerability. We aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the ability of CEUS parameters to differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid plaques and to assess its reproducibility. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databaseswere searched for studies that potentiallyevaluated carotid plaques using CEUS. From the initial 2870 searches, 11 relevant publications comprising a total of 821 carotid plaques were reviewed. Data on CEUS parameters including quantitative and semi-quantitative parameters were extracted and analyzed. The overall analysis showed significantly higher CEUS parameters in symptomatic carotid plaques compared to asymptomatic carotid plaques (standardised mean difference (SMD) .95, 95% confidence interval (CI) .56-1.27, p<.01). Intra and inter-observer reproducibility of quantitative CEUS parameters were excellent (intra-observer, r=.95, 95% CI .87-1; inter-observer, r=.93, 95% CI .80-.1). Semi-quantitative CEUS parameters showed good intra-observer reliability and moderate inter-observer reliability (intra-observer, r=.77, 95% CI .64-.89; inter-observer, r=.75, 95% CI .61-.89). Heterogeneity among studies compared CEUS parameters in symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques and studies assessed inter-observer reproducibility, and significant biases in studies assessing CEUS reproducibility were present. CEUS is a useful vascular imaging method to differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid plaques with moderate to excellent reproducibility. Quantitative CEUS analysis appeared to be more sensitive and reliable in assessing carotid plaques than semi-quantitative parameters. Further longitudinal prospective trials evaluating carotid plaque in asymptomatic population using CEUS to determine plaque characteristics that can become symptomatic are required.

Accuracy Assessment of Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Placement Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography with Metal Artifact Reduction.

Metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithms are used with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) during augmented reality surgical navigation for minimally invasive pedicle screw instrumentation. The aim of this study was to assess intra- and inter-observer reliability of pedicle screw placement and to compare the perception of baseline image quality (NoMAR) with optimized image quality (MAR). CBCT images of 24 patients operated on for degenerative spondylolisthesis using minimally invasive lumbar fusion were analyzed retrospectively. Images were treated using NoMAR and MAR by an engineer, thus creating 48 randomized files, which were then independently analyzed by 3 spine surgeons and 3 radiologists. The Gertzbein and Robins classification was used for screw accuracy rating, and an image quality scale rated the clarity of pedicle screw and bony landmark depiction. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated. NoMAR and MAR led to similarly good intra-observer (ICC > 0.6) and excellent inter-observer (ICC > 0.8) assessment reliability of pedicle screw placement accuracy. The image quality scale showed more variability in individual image perception between spine surgeons and radiologists (ICC range 0.51–0.91). This study indicates that intraoperative screw positioning can be reliably assessed on CBCT for augmented reality surgical navigation when using optimized image quality. Subjective image quality was rated slightly superior for MAR compared to NoMAR.

Development of the Revision Hip Complexity Classification using a modified Delphi technique.

AimsThe aim of this modified Delphi process was to create a structured Revision Hip Complexity Classification (RHCC) which can be used as a tool to help direct multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussions of complex cases in local or regional revision networks.MethodsThe RHCC was developed with the help of a steering group and an invitation through the British Hip Society (BHS) to members to apply, forming an expert panel of 35. We ran a mixed-method modified Delphi process (three rounds of questionnaires and one virtual meeting). Round 1 consisted of identifying the factors that govern the decision-making and complexities, with weighting given to factors considered most important by experts. Participants were asked to identify classification systems where relevant. Rounds 2 and 3 focused on grouping each factor into H1, H2, or H3, creating a hierarchy of complexity. This was followed by a virtual meeting in an attempt to achieve consensus on the factors which had not achieved consensus in preceding rounds.ResultsThe expert group achieved strong consensus in 32 out of 36 factors following the Delphi process. The RHCC used the existing Paprosky (acetabulum and femur), Unified Classification System, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification systems. Patients with ASA grade III/IV are recognized with a qualifier of an asterisk added to the final classification. The classification has good intraobserver and interobserver reliability with Kappa values of 0.88 to 0.92 and 0.77 to 0.85, respectively.ConclusionThe RHCC has been developed through a modified Delphi technique. RHCC will provide a framework to allow discussion of complex cases as part of a local or regional hip revision MDT. We believe that adoption of the RHCC will provide a comprehensive and reproducible method to describe each patient’s case with regard to surgical complexity, in addition to medical comorbidities that may influence their management.Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(5):423–431.

Intra and Interobserver Reliability of the New Classification System of Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity

Category:OtherIntroduction/Purpose:Historical concept of flatfoot as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) has been questioned. Recently, the consensus group published a new classification system and recommended renaming PTTD to Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity (PCFD). The new PCFD classification could be effective in providing comprehensive information on the deformity. To date, there has been no study reporting intra- and interobserver reliability and the frequency of each class in PCFD classification.Methods:This was a single-center, retrospective study conducted from prospectively collected registry data. A consecutive cohort of PCFD patients evaluated from February 2015 to October 2020 was included, consisting of 92 feet in 84 patients. Classification of each patient was made utilizing characteristic clinical and radiographic findings by three independent observers. Frequencies of each class and subclass were assessed. Intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities were analyzed with Cohen's Kappa and Fleiss' kappa, respectively.Results:Mean sample age was 54.4, 38% was male and 62% were female. 1ABC (25.4%) was most common subclass followed by 1AC (8.7%) and 1ABCD (6.9%). Only small percentage of patients had isolated deformity. Class A was the most frequent component (89.5%), followed by C in 86.2% of the cases. Moderate interobserver reliability (Fleiss` Kappa=0.561, p<0.001, 95% CI 0.528-0.594) was found for overall classification. Very good intraobserver reliability was found (Cohen`s Kappa=0.851, P<0.001, 95% CI 0.777-0.926).Conclusion:Predominantly, 49.3% of patients had a presentation dominantly involving the hindfoot (A) with various combinations of midfoot and/or forefoot deformity (B), (C) with or without subtalar joint involvement (D). Despite limitations due to inherent subjectivity which may account for moderate interobserver agreement, the new system may potentially cover all possible combinations of the PCFD, providing a comprehensive description and guiding treatment in a systematic and individualized manner.

Assessment of Agreement Between a New Application to Compute the Wisconsin Gait Score and 3-Dimensional Gait Analysis, and Reliability of the Application in Stroke Patients.

Currently, there are no computerized tools enabling objective interpretation of observational gait assessment based on Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS), which is a reliable and well-tested tool. The solution envisaged by us may provide a practical tool for assessing gait deviations in patients with hemiparesis after stroke. The present study assessed agreement between a new application software for computerized WGS and 3-dimensional gait analysis (3DGA), and reliability of the application. The study involved 33 individuals with hemiparesis after stroke. The software was developed based on a model designed taking into account components of the WGS and incorporating auxiliary lines passing through the relevant anthropometric points on the patient’s body, as well as measurements of angular values, distances and duration of the specific gait phases, which make it possible to substantiate assessment based on this scale. Series of videos were made to record gait of the qualified patients. After the gait evaluation was carried out using the app, the data were retrieved from the software. The gait assessment was performed separately by three independent examiners who reviewed the video recording using the new app twice (two weeks apart). Additionally, 3DGA was carried out for all the subjects, and the results of the app-aided assessment were compared to those acquired using 3DGA. The findings show statistically significant correlations (p < 0.05) between majority of the WGS items measured using the new app, and the relevant spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters identified by 3DGA. Agreement between the scores reported by the three examiners was high in both measurements, as reflected by Cronbach’s alpha exceeding 0.8. The findings reflect very good intra-observer reliability (as reflected by kappa coefficients from 0.847 to 1) and inter-observer reliability (as reflected by kappa coefficients from 0.634 to 1) of the new application software for computerized WGS. The opportunities offered by the observational gait scale objectified through our new software for computerized WGS result from the fact that the tool provides a useful low-cost and time-effective feedback to monitor ongoing treatments or formulate hypotheses.

Intra- and Interobserver Reliability of the New Classification System of Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity.

Historical concept of flatfoot as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) has been questioned. Recently, the consensus group published a new classification system and recommended renaming PTTD to Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity (PCFD). The new PCFD classification could be effective in providing comprehensive information on the deformity. To date, there has been no study reporting intra- and interobserver reliability and the frequency of each class in PCFD classification. This was a single-center, retrospective study conducted from prospectively collected registry data. A consecutive cohort of PCFD patients evaluated from February 2015 to October 2020 was included, consisting of 92 feet in 84 patients. Classification of each patient was made using characteristic clinical and radiographic findings by 3 independent observers. Frequencies of each class and subclass were assessed. Intraobserver and inteobserver reliabilities were analyzed with Cohen kappa and Fleiss kappa, respectively. Mean sample age was 54.4, 38% was male and 62% were female. 1ABC (25.4%) was the most common subclass, followed by 1AC (8.7%) and 1ABCD (6.9%). Only a small percentage of patients had isolated deformity. Class A was the most frequent component (89.5%), followed by C in 86.2% of the cases. Moderate interobserver reliability (Fleiss kappa = 0.561, P < .001, 95% CI 0.528-0.594) was found for overall classification. Very good intraobserver reliability was found (Cohen kappa = 0.851, P < .001, 95% CI 0.777-0.926). Almost half (49.3%) of patients had a presentation dominantly involving the hindfoot (A) with various combinations of midfoot and/or forefoot deformity (B), (C) with or without subtalar joint involvement (D). The new system may cover all possible combinations of the PCFD, providing a comprehensive description and guiding treatment in a systematic and individualized manner, but this initial study suggests an opportunity to improve overall interobserver reliability. Level III, retrospective diagnostic study.

Skin measurement devices to assess skin quality: A systematic review on reliability and validity.

BackgroundMany treatments aim to slow down or reverse the visible signs of skin aging and thereby improve skin quality. Measurement devices are frequently employed to measure the effects of these treatments to improve skin quality, for example, skin elasticity, color, and texture. However, it remains unknown which of these devices is most reliable and valid.Materials and methodsMEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched. Instruments were scored on reporting construct validity by means of convergent validity, interobserver, intraobserver, and interinstrument reliability.ResultsFor the evaluation of skin color, 11 studies were included describing 16 measurement devices, analyzing 3172 subjects. The most reliable device for skin color assessment is the Minolta Chromameter CR‐300 due to good interobserver, intraobserver, and interinstrument reliability. For skin elasticity, seven studies assessed nine types of devices analyzing 290 subjects in total. No intra and interobserver reliability was reported. Skin texture was assessed in two studies evaluating 72 subjects using three different types of measurement devices. The PRIMOS device reported excellent intra and interobserver reliability. None of the included reviewed devices could be determined to be valid based on construct validity.ConclusionThe most reliable devices to evaluate skin color and texture in ordinary skin were, respectively, the Minolta Chromameter and PRIMOS. No reliable device is available to measure skin elasticity in ordinary skin and none of the included devices could be determined to be designated as valid.

Carotid artery stiffness measured by strain elastography ultrasound is a stroke risk factor

It has been known that carotid stiffness is a predilection for stroke. Strain elastography (SE) ultrasound (US) is one of the new modalities which can evaluate carotid artery stiffness by obtaining its tunica intima media strain value. There were no studies that show the carotid artery SE US value in stroke patients, hence become the underlying reason this study was conducted. The aim of this study was to provide an evaluation of carotid artery SE US values in stroke patients.A pair-matched case-control study was conducted on 40 case subjects and 40 controls which met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. Carotid arteries SE US value was obtained through the average of 3 region of interest (ROI) on each intima media layer of 3 level carotid arteries assessed on both sides. Diagnostic accuracy study was analysed to determine the cut off value between stiff and not stiff. Subsequently, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed.There were 65% male on both groups with mean age 56.7 ± 13.0 on the case group and 53.8 ± 11.8 on the control group. ROC curve analysis showed that all measurement locations were reliable with high numbers (91.03–97.8%). The cut of value of carotid artery stiffness was ≥0.9333 (97.5% sensitivity and 90% specificity). Carotid artery stiffness is a major risk factor of stroke with OR 351 (p value 0.000). Multivariate analysis showed that carotid artery stiffness remained a strong risk factor of stroke (OR 467.89, p value 0,000). Other radiologist can repeat this technique with good interobserver (r = 0.782–0.985) and intraobserver reliability (r = 0.802–0.954).Carotid artery stiffness is a strong risk factor for stroke, with carotid artery stiffness SE US cut off values of ≥0.9333.

P–319 Measuring intraobserver and intermethod reliability of endometriotic cyst volumes: a comparison between MRI and 3D transvaginal ultrasound

Abstract Study question Are three-dimensional imaging techniques, MRI and three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound reliable for the volume measurement of endometriotic cysts? Summary answer MRI and XI VOCAL 3D-transvaginal ultrasound both provide a very good intraobserver reliability. The imaging techniques are however not advised to be used interchangeably. What is known already Two-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound (2D-TVUS) and MRI are commonly used in endometriosis care. However, three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) has gained more attention in recent years. The use of 3D-US, more specifically VOCAL and XI VOCAL software has proven to be a reliable tool in the measurement of volumes such as splenic volumes and uterine niche volumes. Up to date, 3D-TVUS has not been evaluated for volume measurements in endometrioma. Study design, size, duration A prospective case-control study was performed in an academic endometriosis centre. In total, 23 endometriosis cysts from 16 patients were included. Participants/materials, setting, methods Women diagnosed with endometriosis through laparoscopy with histological confirmation presenting with uni- or bilateral endometrioma on TVUS were included in this study. All women had a regular menstrual cycle (28 days ± 3 days). Women were seen for examinations at two time points during one menstrual cycle: on cycle day 2–4 (T0) and cycle day 20–22 (T1). At both time points a 2D and 3D TVUS and an MRI at 1,5T were performed. Main results and the role of chance The intraclass correlation for intraobserver reliability is good to very good for all three techniques ranging from the lowest value of 0.953 to the highest of 1.000. MRI has the most narrow limits of agreement (–3.93 to 4.53), followed by XI VOCAL (–5.16 – 5.65) while VOCAL has the widest limits of agreement (–10.22 to 11.39). Intraclass correlations are poor in the comparison of XI VOCAL to MRI, moderate between VOCAL and XI VOCAL, and good for the comparison between VOCAL and MRI. The limits of agreement are widest for XI VOCAL versus MRI (–36.96 –10.54). Similar limits of agreement are found between VOCAL versus XI VOCAL (–7.80 –23.40) as between VOCAL versus MRI (–18.27–8.96). Limitations, reasons for caution No absolute volume measurements were obtained during subsequent surgery to compare the imaging data to. This makes it more difficult to determine an acceptable error margin for the 3D imaging techniques used. Wider implications of the findings: Being able to determine (small) volumetric changes in endometrioma can give more insight into the development and circumstances under which endometrioma grow or decrease in size. For reliable and accurate follow up of endometrioma a single measuring technique must be used as three-dimensional imaging techniques are not interchangeable. Trial registration number Trial NL2106 (NTR2223)

Myocardial fibrosis quantification methods by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging with contrast-enhancement in patients with Fabry disease

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA). Background. Presence and extent of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in patients with Fabry disease (FD) is a predictor of adverse cardiac events. However there is no gold standard method to quantify the amount of myocardial fibrosis in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Purpose. The aim of this study was to establish the most reliable and reproducible technique for quantifying LGE in patients with FD. Methods. 68 patients with FD (40% male, 40 ± 16 years old) treated in our outpatient clinic, who underwent CMR with administration of 0.2 mmol of gadobutrol per kilogram of body weight between December 2012 and March 2019 were enrolled into the study. Presence of LGE was described in 25 patients (37%). Twenty patients underwent CMR with the same LGE sequence (Philips 1.5 Tesla, two-dimensional multi-breath-hold inversion recovery sequence) and were enrolled into further analysis. LGE quantifications were performed using gray-scale thresholds with 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 standard deviations (SD) above the mean signal intensity for the remote myocardial tissue, full width at half maximum method (FWHM), visual assessment with threshold (VAT) and fully manual method (MM; Philips IntelliSpace Portal 10). LGE quantifications were done twice by the same observer in different time periods and once by another observer. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland- Altman analysis and coefficient of variation (CV) were used to assess intra- and interobserver reliability and reproducibility. Results. The mean quantity of fibrosis mass (in gram) in all studied patients was: 35.5 ± 18.7 at 2SD, 21.0 ± 12.8 at 3SD, 12.7 ± 8.5 at 4SD, 8.0 ± 5.7 at 5SD, 5.3 ± 4.1 at 6SD, 1.9 ± 1.8 at FWHM, 8.6 ± 7.4 at VAT and 9.1 ± 6.1 at MM. Intra-observer reliability of almost all studied LGE quantification methods was excellent, with a range of ICCs from 0.90 for 6SD to 0.95 for VAT, with one exception for FWHM, which had good intraobserver reliability (ICC 0.84; all P &amp;lt; 0.05). Interobserver reliability was excellent for VAT (ICC 0.94) and good for all other LGE quantifications methods (range of ICCs from 0.76 for MM to 0.87 for 5SD, all P &amp;lt; 0.05). 5SD had the lowest CV (6%) for intraobserver reproducibility and 2SD and VAT for interobserver reproducibility (35% and 38%). FWHM had the highest CV for both intra- and interobserver reproducibility (63% and 94%, accordingly). Conclusions 1. All studied methods of LGE quantification in patients with FD and presence of myocardial fibrosis have good to excellent intra- and interobserver reliability. 2. The total amount of LGE differs in studied LGE quantifications methods. Therefore in clinical practice it is important to report which technique of LGE quantification was used and choose the same for CMR-follow up. 3. FWHM might be avoided for LGE quantification in patients with FD due to the highest intra- and interobserver variability in comparison to other available techniques.

Open Reduction of Medial Epicondyle Fractures in the Pediatric Population: Supine Versus Prone Position

Background: Operative treatment of medial epicondyle fractures can be performed in either a supine or prone position. In the supine position, fracture visualization is sometimes difficult due to the posterior position of the medial epicondyle. However, the prone position requires extensive patient repositioning but may improve visualization. The purpose of this study was to compare the results and complications between the supine and prone position when treating medial epicondyle fractures. Methods: In a retrospective chart review, patients below 18 who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of an acute medial epicondyle fracture from January 2011 to August 2019 were identified. Patients with &lt;2 months follow-up and concomitant fractures were excluded. Surgical variables, outcomes, and complications were recorded and compared between the supine and prone positions. Results: Sixteen surgeons treated the 204 patients evaluated in this study. The mean age was 11.7 years. In all, 122 (60%) patients were treated in the supine position, and 82 (40%) in the prone position. The mean time in the room was 113 minutes in the supine group, and 141 minutes in the prone group (P&lt;0.001). Tourniquet time was similar between groups (P=0.4). Displacement of the fracture on the first postoperative x-rays was 2.06 mm for the supine position and 1.1 mm for the prone position (P&lt;0.001). We also found good interobserver and intraobserver reliability for the measurements. Five patients (2.5%) required reoperation due to stiffness, 2 patients due to nonunion, 1 patient due to tardy ulnar nerve palsy, and 53 (26%) had surgical hardware removal. The surgical position was not associated with complications or reoperation. Conclusions: While the prone position requires additional time in the operating room, presumably for positioning, the length of the surgical procedure itself does not differ between the 2 positions. Although the trend of the surgeons at our center is towards the prone position, with surgeons that try it usually doing all their subsequent cases that way, both positions provide excellent clinical outcomes with minimal complications. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic level III—retrospective cohort study.

Classification for Thumb Opposition in Children with Thumb Hypoplasia.

Background: The Kapandji scale has 10 levels and includes abduction, rotation and flexion movements. Assessing children with thumb hypoplasia, this scale is poorly understood and confusing. The objective of the study is to evaluate an opposition scale simpler and understandable for children. Methods: It is a validation study of a simplified scale to qualify the opposition of the thumb, in order to asses only the abduction - rotation but not the flexion of the metacarpo-phalangeal (MP) or interphalangeal (IF) joint. The proposed classification goes from 0 to 3 degrees, where 0: No opposition, 1: The thumb touches the middle phalanx of the 2nd finger, 2: the thumb touches the pulp of the 2nd finger and 3: the thumb touches the pulp of the 5th finger. 10 patients with thumb hypoplasia were analyzed by 9 hand surgeons and 9 orthopedic surgeons. Results: The intraclass correlation coefficient shows a very good inter-observer reliability with a kappa of 0.991 (p = 0.000). When correlated by groups, the finding were very good between the hand surgeons group k = 0.980 (p = 0.000) and the orthopedic surgeons group 0.974 (p = 0.000). At 6 weeks a new evaluation was made, the intra-observer reliability was excellent k = 0.995 (p = 0.000). Conclusions: The proposed scale for the evaluation of the abductionrotation of the thumb is validated and useful in the evaluation of the results of a thumb opposition transfer with a good inter-observer and intra-observer reliability between orthopedic and hand surgeons.

Is there a good agreement between MRI readers for Thaunat’s classification in arthroscopically-proven meniscal ramp lesions?

ObjectiveTo describe and evaluate the reproducibility by MRI of an arthroscopically-based classification for meniscal ramp lesions. We hypothesize that MRI would present good interobserver and intraobserver reliability to evaluate meniscal ramp lesions. Materials and MethodsTwenty MRI of the knee with arthroscopically-proven meniscal ramp lesions were independently assessed by two skilled musculoskeletal radiologists and a third-year radiology resident. Reading was performed in a randomized and anonymous manner, in two steps, with a minimum of 1-month interval between each. Cohen’s kappa coefficient statistic was used to analyze intra and interobserver reading agreement. Associate findings were also categorized. ResultsFrom 20 subjects, 17 were male, with mean age of 35 years. MRI reading showed type IV ramp lesion as most prevalent with eight cases (37%), followed by type V – four (21%), type I – four (20%), type III – three, (16%) and type II – one (6%). Regarding ramp lesion types, intraobserver agreement was substantial for both skilled readers (Kappa = 0.72), and moderate for the less experienced reader (Kappa = 0.51); interobserver agreement was moderate. Results between most experienced readers were also analyzed in two categories: stable (types I and II) and unstable (types III, IV and V), also resulting in moderate agreement (Kappa = 0.54). Intraobserver agreement was substantial for both readers (Kappa = 0.68). The most common associate findings were joint effusion (85%), posteromedial capsular structures injury (60%), and medial meniscus extrusion (60%). ConclusionThe arthroscopy classification for meniscal ramp lesions stability adapted for MRI has good reproducibility when applied by trained musculoskeletal radiologists.

Prediction of collapse in femoral head osteonecrosis: role of volumetric assessment.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the accuracy of three different techniques of measuring the extent of osteonecrosis involvement of the femoral head on MRI to determine the best predictor of collapse and to identify the size of the lesion volume which best predicts collapse. We prospectively enrolled 48 hips of osteonecrosis femoral head (ONFH) with stage 1 or 2 osteonecrosis and the enrolled patients were followed up for 1 year. Angular measurements (modified Kerboul Angle and modified index of necrotic extent) were compared with the 3D volumetric measurement of necrotic lesion based on MRI in predicting the collapse of the head. ROC analysis was done to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the 3 indices in predicting collapse. Survival analysis of all the hips in the collapsed and non-collapsed group were interpreted using Kaplan Meir survival analysis. In lesion sizes larger than 25% of femoral head volume - 90.6% (29/32) of hips collapsed within 1 year as compared to 31.3% (5/16) hips collapsed in lesion volume <25% of femoral head (Log-rank test p = 0.001). There was good inter-observer (ICC, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.89-0.97) and intra-observer reliability (ICC, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.96). The Volumetric method assessed the severity of lesion size with the future collapse better and more predictably than angular measurements. Necrotic lesion volume of 25% is a potential cut off beyond which future collapse of early ONFH can be predicted and aid in the further management. This study can help in solving the mystery behind prediction of collapse in ONFH.

Accuracy of EOS Imaging Technology in Comparison to Computed Tomography in the Assessment of Vertebral Rotational Orientation in Instrumented Spines in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Retrospective radiographic reliability study. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of EOS 3D imaging technology in the determination of vertebral rotations in the spine of patients with previous instrumentation. There is a lack of evidence on the accuracy of vertebral rotational measurement using EOS 3D morphological analysis in the instrumented spine. A retrospective review of 31 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who underwent instrumented fusion and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans of the spine was performed. Vertebral rotations of the apex vertebra, the uppermost (UIV) and lowermost (LIV) instrumented vertebra, the noninstrumented vertebra one level cranial to the UIV (UIV + 1) and one level caudal to LIV (LIV + 1) were determined using EOS 3D reconstruction. The vertebral rotation was also measured using reformatted CT axial images. Relative vertebral rotational difference (VRD) were calculated for UIV to apex, UIV + 1 to apex, LIV to apex, LIV + 1 to apex, UIV to LIV and UIV + 1 to LIV + 1. Paired t tests were used to compare the VRD measured using the two different imagining modalities. For values where P > 0.05, the Bland-Altman plot was used to assess the agreement between the measures. Interclass correlation (ICC) was used to determine interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities of EOS and CT measurements. EOS analysis of relative VRD was found to be significantly different from that of CT for UIV to apex (P = 0.006) and UIV + 1 to apex (P = 0.003). No significant differences were found for LIV to apex (P = 0.06), LIV + 1 to apex (P = 0.06), UIV to LIV (P = 0.59) and UIV + 1 to LIV + 1 (P = 0.64). However, Bland-Altman plots showed that agreement was poor, and variance was beyond acceptable. ICC showed good interobserver and good to very good intraobserver reliability for EOS. EOS 3D morphological analysis of VRD in the instrumented levels of the spine demonstrated significant difference and unacceptable variance in comparison to CT measurement.Level of Evidence: 4.

Classification and Treatment of Pediatric Tibial Spine Fractures: Assessing Reliability Among a Tibial Spine Research Interest Group.

Treatment decisions for patients with tibial spine fractures depend heavily on radiographic measurements. The purpose of this study was to determine whether existing classification systems and radiographic measurements are reliable among a multicenter tibial spine research interest group. A secondary purpose was to evaluate agreement in treatment of tibial spine fractures. Using a deidentified radiographic imaging series and identical imaging software, we examined the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the Meyers and McKeever classification, as well as a cohort of measurements of tibial spine fractures and treatment recommendations. Forty patients were included based on previous reliability studies. Interobserver and intraobserver data were analyzed using kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient reliability measures for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Good interobserver reliability was seen with superior displacement measurements of the anterior portion of the tibial spine fracture (0.73, 0.78) and excellent intraobserver reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.81. Several measurements demonstrated moderate interobserver and intraobserver reliability including posterior-proximal displacement, and length and height of the tibial spine fracture. Moderate intraobserver reliability was seen with a majority of measurements and classification schemata (0.42 to 0.60) except for a poor agreement in posterior-sagittal displacement (0.27). Classifying tibial spine fractures according to the original Meyers and McKeever classification demonstrated fair agreement [κ=0.35, 0.33 (inter); 0.47 (intra)]. When combining Type III and IV, agreement increased for both reviews [κ=0.42, 0.44 (inter); 0.52 (intra)]. A total of 24 (60%) fractures were classified as 3 different types. There was fair agreement in both reviews regarding open reduction (either open or arthroscopic) versus closed reduction for initial treatment [κ=0.33, 0.38 (inter); 0.51 (intra)]. Measurement of superior displacement of the anterior portion of tibial spine fractures on the lateral images is the only radiographic assessment with good interobserver and intraobserver reliability. Reliability of radiographic measurements and a modified classification for tibial spine fractures remains fair, and perhaps unacceptable, even among a group of pediatric sports medicine specialty-trained surgeons. Level III-diagnostic reliability study of nonconsecutive patients.

Assessment of Bone Quality Using Radiogrammetric Parameters of Proximal Humerus in India: Defining the Osteoporotic Fracture Risk Limit Value and its Reliability.

World health organization (WHO) has defined osteoporosis clinically on the basis of bone mineral density (BMD) measurement by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan and the presence of fractures. This facility is expensive and not readily available in majority of the centers in India. The authors have attempted to study defined measurements on radiographs (radiogrammetric parameters) to diagnose osteoporosis in Indian population. We prospectively studied 200 proximal humerus radiographs for measuring radiogrammetric parameters and divided into Group A and B (N = 100 in each group). Group A involved patients with age < 50years and without any illness affecting bone quality. Group B involved patients with age > 50years and sustained acute osteoporotic fractures of distal radius/ anterior wedge vertebral fracture/intertrochanteric fracture following trivial trauma. Three parameters (cortical thickness, cortical index and deltoid tuberosity index) were measured by 3 observers at 2 different occasions. The mean age of patients was 37.87years and 58.38years for group A and B, respectively. The 'cortical thickness' of the proximal humerus diaphysis had the mean value for Group A and B to be 0.4 ± 0.07cm and 0.33 ± 0.06cm respectively. The mean values for the 'cortical index' of proximal humerus came out to be 0.4 ± 0.07 for group A and 0.32 ± 0.06 for group B. The 'deltoid tuberosity index' measurements showed the mean values for group A and B were 1.81 ± 0.23 and 1.55 ± 0.16, respectively. Inter-observer reliability for single measures was excellent for deltoid tuberosity index (ICC 0.8077) and good for cortical thickness (ICC 0.7032) and cortical index (ICC 0.7357). Observer 1 had excellent intra-observer reliabilities for all the three parameters. Observer 2 and 3 had excellent reliability for deltoid tuberosity index and good intra-observer reliability for cortical thickness and cortical index. The cortical thickness had a cut off of ≤ 0.372cm with a sensitivity of 86.02 and specificity of 82.12. The cortical index had a cut off of ≤ 0.378 with a sensitivity of 89.16 and specificity of 84.22. The deltoid tuberosity index had a cut off of ≤ 1.684 with a sensitivity of 96.61 and specificity of 84.08. The outcome of this study is likely to help in early diagnosis of osteoporosis at the community level in the absence of DXA scan as it identifies threshold values for radiogrammetric parameters which can be a predictor of the osteoporosis. The deltoid tuberosity index was found to be the most suitable of these parameters.

Ultrasonography Reliability in the Detection of Inflammatory and Structural Abnormalities: An Exercise in Multiple Joints.

Ultrasonography is an image technique that allows rheumatologists to visualize structural and inflammatory changes within a joint. The objective of this study was to assess the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) in the detection of inflammatory and destructive joint changes in patients with polyarthritis. A Delphi exercise was undertaken to standardize and adapt the EULAR-OMERACT elementary US definitions of inflammatory lesions (effusion, synovial hypertrophy, power Doppler, bone erosions, and synovitis) for each joint. Fifteen patients were analyzed, and video clips of 600 joints were collected. Each joint was scored for the presence of each elementary component, on 2 separate occasions, by 6 examiners. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement analysis was assessed through Fleiss κ coefficient (κ). Considering all patients and all joints, the interobserver values were highest for erosions and lowest for effusion (κ = 0.7314 and κ = 0.6044, respectively). When analyzing different regions, the highest interobserver agreement was for tibiotalar joint (κ = 0.8043) and the lowest for wrist (κ = 0.6767). Intraobserver reliability was excellent for each and all elementary components and anatomical region. The present study showed either a good or excellent US interobserver and intraobserver reliability in elementary elements and anatomical region. This kind of US reliability exercises are important for standardization of exploration in everyday practice by reducing the variability associated with this imaging technique, and ensuring a greater degree of homogeneity and future comparability in the assessment of disease activity in polyarthritis patients.

Reliability and Validity of Acetabular and Femoral Bone Loss Classification Systems in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review.

A variety of classification systems have been developed to help surgeons treat patients with acetabular or femoral bone loss in total hip arthroplasty, yet no "gold standard" for classification has been agreed upon. Furthermore, the reliability and validity of the available classification systems remain unknown. The aims of our study were to determine the reliability and validity of the three most common acetabular and femoral bone loss classification systems (Paprosky, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons [AAOS], and Saleh and Gross). A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify studies that reported on the reliability or validity (or both) of the acetabular and femoral components of the three bone loss classification systems. In all, seven articles met our inclusion criteria. Six studies reported on the reliability (all six studies) or validity (three studies) of acetabular bone loss rating systems (286 acetabula), and five analyzed reliability (all five studies) or validity (three studies) of femoral bone loss classification systems (364 femurs). In studies in which either the Paprosky or AAOS acetabular bone loss classifications were used, the classification systems were considered unreliable in 75% and 100% of them, respectively. On the femoral side, the Paprosky classification demonstrated moderate interobserver and good intraobserver reliability. The AAOS femoral bone classification was found to have good intraobserver reliability but poor interobserver reliability. The Saleh and Gross acetabular and femoral bone loss classification systems yielded mixed results, but each was considered reliable in one of the studies looking at these aspects of the systems. Although surgical techniques, treatment options, and advanced imaging available to the surgeon have evolved over the past few decades, the acetabular and femoral bone loss classification systems, first developed in the 1990s, have remained largely unchanged. Our results indicate that improvements to these systems are necessary in order for them to be as useful as possible in planning the surgical course.

CLASSIFICATION OF ACL TEARS IN THE PEDIATRIC AND ADOLESCENT POPULATION

Background:There have been previous imaging classification schemes in the literature that described ACL tears in adults and pediatric patients. More recent publications have described the epidemiology, injury mechanisms, and repair versus reconstruction techniques. None have proposed an arthroscopic classification for pediatric patients.Purpose:To describe our experience with a novel arthroscopic classification using 4 patterns of ACL tears depending on the type of tear and the tissue quality.Methods:An IRB approved prospective with 2 parts to this study:Part 1: Single center prospective case series using descriptive statistics of intraoperative findings. We included children ≤18 years old with an ACL tear who underwent surgery within 8 weeks of injury. Those with associated ligamentous injuries or revision surgery were excluded. We proposed a 4-stage classification as follows: I. Avulsion off femur II. <10% tear from femoral end III. Midsubstance tear IV. Single bundle tear.Part 2: Four fellowship-trained surgeons from two tertiary children’s hospitals classified ACL injury based on intraoperative video of 33 randomly selected surgeries. 2 rounds of classification were performed. Inter and intra-observer reliability studies were calculated using Kappa statistics.Results:120 patients (73 males and 47 females) with mean age of 16 (9-20) years and mean BMI 26 (16-51) were included in this study. 59 patients (49%) had left sided injury while 61 (51%) had right sided injury. 29 (24%) patients reported contact injury while 91 (76%) reported non-contact. Isolated ACL injury was recorded in 49 patients only (41%) while concomitant injuries were recorded in 71 patients (59%). The most common associated injury was the lateral meniscus tear (33%), followed by lateral and medial meniscus tear (13.4%). According to our classification, 23 (19.2%) patients were type I, 15 (12.5%) were type II, 65 (54.2%) were type III, and 17 (14.2%) were type IV. The intra-rater reliability was excellent for 2 reviewers, good for 1 and marginal for another. The overall inter rater reliability for all 4 reviewers was marginal for both readings (k=0.35, 95% CI: 0.23-0.44; k=0.26, 95%CI: 0.16-0.35 respectively).Conclusion:With renewed interest in ACL repairs and techniques, a classification system for ACL tears can guide a proper surgical plan. Our classification system provides a step to achieve this goal. It showed overall good intra-observer reliability, with marginal inter-observer reliability.