Error estimates in novice and expert raters for the KT-1000 arthrometer.
METHODS
Single group repeated measures with multiple raters.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the inter-rater reliability of KT-1000 measurements of novice and experienced raters and to provide error estimates for these raters.


BACKGROUND
The KT-1000 arthrometer is often used clinically to quantify anterior tibial displacement. Few data have been documented, however, about the relative reliability of KT-1000 measurements obtained by novice compared with experienced users.


METHODS
Two novice and two experienced KT-1000 users performed measurements on 29 knees of 25 patients after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction or with a diagnosis of ACL deficiency. Measurements were performed at 131 N. Interrater and intertrial reliability coefficients (interclass correlation coefficient; ICC) and the standard error of measurement were calculated for expert and novice raters.


RESULTS
The interrater ICC for novices was 0.65 and the interrate error was +/- 3.52 mm (90% confidence interval [CI]). The interrater ICC for experts was 0.79 and the interrater error was +/- 2.94 mm (90% CI).


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that experience in using the KT-1000 is related to the interrater error of measurements and that training is an important consideration when using the KT-1000 arthrometer.
Berry
J
J
Wesley Woods Geriatric Hospital, Atlanta, Ga., USA.
Kramer
K
K
Binkley
J
J
Binkley
G A
GA
Stratford
P
P
Hunter
S
S
Brown
K
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D007719:Knee Joint; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012399:Rotation; D013977:Tibia / Q000503:physiopathology