Reliability and comparison of acromion assessment techniques on X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (reliability of acromion assessment techniques).
OBJECTIVE
To determine the reliability and correlation of plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment of acromion morphology.


METHODS
Acromion morphology was assessed using the lateral acromion angle (LAA) and the acromion-humeral interval (AHI). Thirty patients who had X-rays and MRI for impingement syndrome were included. Six blinded observers assessed the acromion morphology subjectively and objectively.


RESULTS
Neither acromion assessment technique demonstrated a positive correlation (kappa and intraclass coefficient < 0.55) between X-ray and MRI. Both techniques were reliable (kappa and intraclass coefficient > 0.55) when measured objectively by experienced observers.


CONCLUSIONS
The LAA and the AHI are both reliable acromion assessment techniques on X-ray and MRI when measured objectively and by experienced observers.
Viskontas
Darius G
DG
Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre.
MacDermid
Joy C
JC
Drosdowech
Darren S
DS
Garvin
Greg J
GJ
Romano
Walter M
WM
Faber
Ken J
KJ
D000174:Acromion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D019534:Shoulder Impingement Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*