Observer consistency in radiographic assessment of condylar resorption.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluates interobserver and intraobserver agreement with respect to the determination of the shape and surface of the condylar head on panoramic views.


METHODS
Detailed frames (n = 632) were made from preoperative and postoperative panoramic views of 158 consecutive patients, who underwent orthognathic surgery. The intraobserver and interobserver agreement were calculated by using Cohen's kappa.


RESULTS
By using Cohen's kappa, the intraobserver agreement was determined to be reasonable or good for surface and shape of the condyle. The interobserver agreement was mediocre or poor for surface and shape of the condyle.


CONCLUSIONS
Because of the subjectivity of using panoramic views to determine the shape and surface of the condylar head, considerable interobserver disagreement is possible.
Vidra
Márton A l
MA
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Rozema
Fred R
FR
Kostense
Piet J
PJ
Tuinzing
D Bram
DB
D001284:Atrophy; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000601:surgery; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D015588:Observer Variation; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D063173:Retrognathia / Q000601:surgery