title: The effect of observer experience on magnetic resonance imaging interpretation and localization of triangular fibrocartilage complex lesions.
abstract: This study investigates the effect of experience of the interpreter on the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify the presence and anatomic location of a triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesion. Fifty-one patients who underwent wrist arthroscopy with preoperative MRI studies were reviewed retrospectively. Two radiologists with different levels of training and experience evaluated the MRI scans in a blinded manner. The sensitivity rates of the 2 observers for detection of TFCC lesions were 86% and 80%. The specificity rates were 96% and 80%. The accuracy rates for prediction of a TFCC tear were 83% and 61% for the 2 observers. The correct location of a TFCC lesion was predicted by the more experienced observer for 12 of 19 central, 3 of 4 radial, and 6 of 12 peripheral lesions. The less experienced observer correctly identified 8 of 19 central, 2 of 4 radial, and 2 of 12 peripheral tears. The overall accuracy rates for prediction of a TFCC lesion and its location were 69% and 37%. Our data indicate that the published accuracy rates for prediction of TFCC lesion location may be reproducible only in very specialized centers.
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0284, USA.
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Blazar
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Kneeland
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Leatherwood
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Bozentka
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kowalchick
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000473:pathology*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014955:Wrist Joint