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We conducted an observational radiographic study to determine the inter- and intra-observer reliability of the AO classification of fractures of the distal radius. Plain posteroanterior and lateral radiographs of 456 patients with an acute fracture of the distal radius were classified by a consultant orthopaedic hand specialist and two specialist trainees, and the k coefficient for the inter- and intra-observer reliability of the type, group and subgroup classification was calculated. Only the type of fracture (A, B or C) was found to provide substantial intra-observer reliability (k type 0.65). The inclusion of 'group' and 'subgroup' into the classification reduced the inter-observer reliability to fair (kgroup 0.29, ksubgroup = 0.28) and the intra-observer reliability to moderate (kgroup 0.53, ksubgroup 0.49). Disagreement was found to arise between specific subgroups, which may be amenable to clarification.

Original publication

DOI

10.1302/0301-620X.97B6.33844

Type

Journal article

Journal

Bone joint j

Publication Date

06/2015

Volume

97-B

Pages

818 - 823

Keywords

AO classification, Cohen’s k Test, Distal radius fracture, Humans, Intra-Articular Fractures, Radiography, Radius Fractures, Reproducibility of Results, Ulna Fractures, Wrist Injuries