title: Measurement of the scaphoid humpback deformity using longitudinal computed tomography: intra- and interobserver variability using various measurement techniques.
abstract: The intra- and interobserver variability of 3 techniques for measuring the humpback deformity of 37 scaphoids using longitudinal computed tomography was assessed. The 3 measuring techniques were the lateral intrascaphoid angle, the dorsal cortical angle, and the height-to-length ratio. The intraobserver reliability of the intrascaphoid angle was poor; the dorsal cortical angle was moderate to excellent, and the height-to-length ratio was excellent. The interobserver reliability of the intrascaphoid angle was poor to moderate, the dorsal cortical angle was moderate to excellent, and the height-to-length ratio was moderate to excellent. For all 3 observers, the intra- and interobserver reliability was the best for the height-to-length ratio and worst for the intrascaphoid angle. The height-to-length ratio is the most reproducible method of assessing the humpback deformity. Clinical correlation is required to establish whether the height-to-length ratio will be of value in predicting the outcome of fractures of the scaphoid.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
authors.forename: G I
authors.initials: GI
authors.lastname: Bain
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: MacDermid
authors.forename: G P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Slethaug
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Richards
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Roth
mesh_terms: D002348:Carpal Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries*; D017759:Fractures, Malunited / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015588:Observer Variation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*