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The Neer classification of fractures of the proximal humerus

An assessment of interobserver variation

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Abstract

The reliability of the Neer classification of proximal fractures of humerus was examined by determining the agreement between pairs of observers using weighted kappa statistics. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of 100 surgical neck fractures were grouped independently by four observers. A low degree of agreement was found, especially between the most inexperienced observer and the rest. Considering the therapeutic consequences of a correct classification, these fractures should be assessed by experienced orthopedic surgeons or radiologists.

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Kristiansen, B., Andersen, U.L.S., Olsen, C.A. et al. The Neer classification of fractures of the proximal humerus. Skeletal Radiol 17, 420–422 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00361661

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00361661

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