Intra-observer reproducibility and interobserver reliability of the radiographic parameters in the Spinal Deformity Study Group's AIS Radiographic Measurement Manual.
METHODS
Retrospective cross-sectional assessment of the reproducibility and reliability of radiographic parameters.


OBJECTIVE
To measure the intra-examiner and interexaminer reproducibility and reliability of salient radiographic features.


BACKGROUND
The management and treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) depends on accurate and reproducible radiographic measurements of the deformity.


METHODS
Ten sets of radiographs were randomly selected from a sample of patients with AIS, with initial curves between 20 degrees and 45 degrees. Fourteen measures of the deformity were measured from posteroanterior and lateral radiographs by 2 examiners, and were repeated 5 times at intervals of 3-5 days. Intra-examiner and interexaminer differences were examined. The parameters include measures of curve size, spinal imbalance, sagittal kyphosis and alignment, maximum apical vertebral rotation, T1 tilt, spondylolysis/spondylolisthesis, and skeletal age.


RESULTS
Intra-examiner reproducibility was generally excellent for parameters measured from the posteroanterior radiographs but only fair to good for parameters from the lateral radiographs, in which some landmarks were not clearly visible. Of the 13 parameters observed, 7 had excellent interobserver reliability.


CONCLUSIONS
The measurements from the lateral radiograph were less reproducible and reliable and, thus, may not add value to the assessment of AIS. Taking additional measures encourages a systematic and comprehensive assessment of spinal radiographs.
Dang
Natasha Radhika
NR
Capital Health, Edmonton, Canada.
Moreau
Marc J
MJ
Hill
Douglas L
DL
Mahood
James K
JK
Raso
James
J
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D011859:Radiography / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000145:classification* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology