Inter- and intra-observer variation of the Schatzker and AO/OTA classifications of tibial plateau fractures and a proposal of a new classification system

C. P. Charalambous, M. Tryfonidis, F. Alvi, M. Moran, C. Fang, R. Samaraji, P. Hirst

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)400-404
Number of pages5
JournalAnnals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
Volume89
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2007

Keywords

  • Classification
  • Observer variation
  • Radiography
  • Surgery
  • Tibial fractures

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Inter- and intra-observer variation of the Schatzker and AO/OTA classifications of tibial plateau fractures and a proposal of a new classification system'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this