The reliability of postural x-rays in measuring pelvic obliquity.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the interrater and intrarater reliability of two methods of measurement of postural radiographs for determining the amount of pelvic obliquity.


METHODS
Four blinded raters evaluated the amount of pelvic obliquity using two measurement methods.


METHODS
Physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinic in a VA hospital.


METHODS
Fifty-two randomly chosen radiographs from 36 patients referred to a clinic to evaluate and treat pelvic obliquity.


METHODS
Amount of pelvic obliquity was determined by line of eburnation and by the intersulcate line. Pearson's correlation coefficients and percent agreements were calculated for each set of measurements.


RESULTS
Pearson's correlation coefficients and percent agreements were higher for both interrater and intrarater measurements for the intersulcate line.


CONCLUSIONS
Intersulcate line is the more reliable method for determining the amount of pelvic obliquity and will be used in future studies to assess the effectiveness of correcting pelvic obliquity to improve chronic back pain.
Fann
A V
AV
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, John L. McClellan Veterans Affairs Hospital and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA.
Lee
R
R
Verbois
G M
GM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007870:Leg Length Inequality / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009209:Myofascial Pain Syndromes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015588:Observer Variation; D010384:Pelvic Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D011859:Radiography; D012016:Reference Values