Abstract
Objective. To compare intra- and inter-observer variation for measurements of wrist deformity using a manual method of measurement and a semi-automated digital system developed in our department.
Design. Four observers measured radial angle, radial shift, radial length, palmar tilt, and dorsal shift on ten wrist-fracture films using a standardised protocol. Each observer made measurements directly from the radiograph on three occasions, and on a further three occasions digitised images were viewed and measurements made with semi-automated on-screen measurement tools.
Results. Manual measurements took 12 min per case compared with 3 min for the digital system. The digital system resulted in improved intra-observer variation for all measurements and an improvement in inter-observer variation for all measurements except posterior tilt.
Conclusion. The new system allows greater precision in assessing fracture reduction and follow-up. Its principal application is in studies that utilise the wrist as a model for fracture healing.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Electronic Publication
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Grainger, A., Duryea, J., Elliott, J. et al. The evaluation of a new digital semi-automated system for the radiological assessment of distal radial fractures. Skeletal Radiol 31, 457–463 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-002-0526-8
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-002-0526-8