Abstract
Digital imaging systems have been introduced recently. We prospectively investigated the accuracy of fracture displacement measurements using digital imaging. Ten consecutive adult extra-articular distal radial fractures were chosen. Five consultants and five registrars measured pre-reduction and post-reduction radial height, radial inclination and radial tilt. Measurements were repeated after 1-week. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were measured and compared with previous studies which used plain X-ray. We calculated intraclass correlation coefficient to assess reliability and tolerance limit. All the parameters showed improved inter and intra-rater reliability compared to reported results with plain X-rays. Interrarater reliability for radial height was 0.545–0.644 and intrarater reliability was 0.550–0.647, tolerance limit was ±3.49 to ±5.47 mm. Radial inclination values were 0.535–0.624, 0.536–0.626, ±3.50° to ±7.06°. Radial tilt values were 0.539–0.889, 0.544–0.889, ±3.81° to ±7.71° respectively. We found new digital imaging more reliable in measuring distal radial fracture displacement parameters.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of their following colleagues who kindly participated in the study: Mr. M AbNaell, Mr. E Chowdhury, Mr. A Essa, Mr. S Griffin, Mr. A Iqbal, Mr. M Jones, Mr. S Kumar, Mr. H Kurup, Mr. L McSweeney, Mr. S Sarasin, Mr. AK Sinha. Conflict of Interest Statement: No funds were received in support of this study.
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Hossain, M., Andrew, J.G. Reliability of a digital radiographic system in measuring distal radial fracture displacement parameters. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 18, 565–569 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-008-0354-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-008-0354-1