Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the intra- and inter-observer variation of the Schatzker and AO/OTA classifications in assessing tibial plateau fractures, using plain radiographs. Patients and methods: Fifty tibial plateau fractures were classified indepedently by six observers as per the Schatzker and AO/OTA classifications, using antero-posterior and lateral plain radiographs. Assessment was done on two occasions, 8 weeks apart. Results: We found that both the Schatzker and AO/OTA classifications have a high intra-observer (κ = 0.57 and 0.53, respectively), an inter-observer (κ = 0.41 and 0.43, respectively) variation. Classification of tibial plateau fractures into unicondylar versus bycondylar and pure splits versus articular depression ± split conferred improved inter- and intra-observer variation. Conclusions: The high inter-observer variation found for the Schatzker and AO/OTA classifications must be taken into consideration when these are used as a guidance of treatment and when use in evaluating patients' outcome. Simply classifying tibial plateau fractures into unicondylar versus bicondylar and pure splits versus articular depression ± split may be more reliable.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 400-404 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England |
Volume | 89 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - May 2007 |
Keywords
- Classification
- Observer variation
- Radiography
- Surgery
- Tibial fractures