Intraobserver and Interobserver Reliability of the Computed Tomography-Based Classifications Used in Posterior Malleolar Fractures: The Haraguchi and Bartonícek-Rammelt Classifications.

BACKGROUND: Three main computed tomography (CT)-based classification systems have been defined and used for posterior malleolar fractures. The intraobserver and interobserver reliability of two of these systems has never been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the Haraguchi (HC) and Bartonícek-Rammelt (BRC) classifications. METHODS: Axial and sagittal CT sections and three-dimensional reconstruction images of 60 fractures were evaluated twice by six observers at a 6-week interval. Cohen κ values for intraobserver reliability and Fleiss κ values for interobserver reliability were calculated. RESULTS: The interobserver reliability of the HC was fair in both assessments (Fleiss κ: 0.263 and 0.249 for the first and second evaluations, respectively). The interobserver reliability of the BRC was moderate in both evaluations (Fleiss κ: 0.535 and 0.447, respectively). The intraobserver reliability values (Cohen κ) of the HC were determined to be between 0.532 and 0.927 for the six observers. These values indicated moderate agreement for one observer, substantial for four, and very good for one. Intraobserver reliability values for the BRC were determined to be between Cohen κ of 0.626 and 0.884. Based on these values, the BRC's intraobserver reliability indicated substantial agreement for two observers and very good for four observers. CONCLUSIONS: Intraobserver and interobserver reliability values of the BRC were higher than those of the HC.

Does the size of Thurston-Holland fragment have an effect on premature physeal closure occurrence in type 2 distal tibia epiphyseal fractures?

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible effect of Thurston-Holland fragment (THF) size on the development of premature physeal closure (PPC) in distal tibia type 2 epiphyseal injuries. Fifty-eight fractures in 57 patients with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months were included. For statistical analysis, sex and age of the patient, number of reduction attempts, percentage of THF base relative to physis length on anteroposterior or lateral radiograph, maximal initial and postreduction displacement amount, presence of accompanying fibula fracture and trauma mechanism were evaluated. PPC was observed in 12 fractures (20.7%). An increased amount of initial displacement, increased number of reduction attempts and passing the physis with three Kirschner wires were determined as statistically significant factors for PPC occurrence (P = 0.011, 0.011 and 0.005, respectively). The THF percentage was not found to be an important factor for the occurrence of PPC. In males, THF size was less than 50% more frequently than that in females (P = 0.013). THF size had no significant effect on PPC occurrence after distal tibial epiphyseal fractures.

The influence of anesthesia-body mass index and chronicity of the injury on the reliability of diagnostic tests for anterior cruciate ligament rupture.

This study aimed to analyze the accuracy and interobserver reliability of the four common diagnostic tests for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. The effect of anesthesia, chronicity of the injury and patient's body mass index (BMI) on the reliabilities was also assessed. Patients who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery were examined before the surgery and under anesthesia by three observers categorized based on their experience levels. One hundred two patients were evaluated to determine the accuracy of these tests. Sixty-two patients with ACL rupture were further examined to assess the effect of BMI (≤25 kg/m2, or >25 kg/m2) and chronicity (≤4 or >4 weeks) of the injury on reliabilities with using the Fleiss kappa method. The Lachman test performed under anesthesia had the highest sensitivity (100%, 100%, and 96.7%). In contrast, pivot shift and lever sign tests had the lowest sensitivity both in awake (24.2%, 17.7%, 8.1% and 37.1%, 33.8%, 29%) and anesthetized condition (75.8%, 75.8%, 67.7% and 41.9%, 43.5%, 40.3%). Specificities of the tests except pivot shift were negatively affected when performed under anesthesia. The reliability of the anterior drawer test was perfect under anesthesia. The lever sign test had the highest reliability in the awake condition in patients with a BMI of >25 kg/m2. Furthermore, the reliabilities of the anterior drawer, Lachman, and pivot-shift tests in awake condition were found to be increased in patients with a chronic injury. Finally, the examiner's experience is not important for the physical diagnosis of ACL rupture.