Head-at-risk signs in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: poor inter- and intra-observer reliability.
BACKGROUND
The head-at-risk signs are used as prognostic indicators in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. These signs have been assessed only once regarding inter-observer reliability, however. Intra-observer reliability seems not to have been studied to date.


METHODS
76 anteroposterior pelvic radiographs of unilateral Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease were assessed by 5 observers on 2 occasions, in order to assess the inter- and intra-observer reliability in identifying head-at-risk signs. The observers included 1 consultant pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, 1 consultant radiologist, 2 specialist registrars and 1 senior house officer. Inter- and intra-observer reliabilities were assessed using the kappa coefficient.


RESULTS
The intra-observer reliability was good for lateral subluxation and metaphyseal cystic changes, moderate for lateral calcification, and fair for Gage's sign and horizontal growth plate. The inter-observer reliability was moderate for lateral subluxation, fair for lateral calcification and metaphyseal cystic changes, and slight for Gage's sign and horizontal growth plate.


CONCLUSIONS
There was considerable variation in the diagnosis of the head-at-risk signs between observers. This makes the classification difficult to use in clinical practice.
Forster
Mark C
MC
Department of Radiology, Lincoln County Hospital. Greetwell Road, Lincoln, LN2 5QY, UK. mcforster@doctors.org.uk
Kumar
Senthil
S
Rajan
Rohan A
RA
Atherton
W Guy
WG
Asirvatham
Rajan
R
Thava
Vallipuram R
VR
D002114:Calcinosis; D002648:Child; D005270:Femur Head / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D006132:Growth Plate / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007873:Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D015588:Observer Variation; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012307:Risk Factors