Reproducibility of schatzker classification through smartphone applications

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the intra-observer reproducibility of Schatzker classification for tibial plateau fractures through smartphone applications. Methods: Radiographs were evaluated in two incidences (anteroposterior and profile) and CT slices (axial, sagittal and coronal) of 37 patients with tibial plateau fracture. Two evaluators, knee surgery experts, classified the cases by viewing the images of the isolated radiographs and then X-rays associated with CT slices in four different stages via smartphones and then presential assessment. Data were statistically analyzed with the Kappa coefficient (k). Results: There was intra-observer agreement by comparing the two methods of evaluation: display or via smartphone, and the analysis made showed statistical significance. Conclusion: The use of smartphones did not affect the reliability of Schatzker classification. Level of Evidence III, Diagnostic Study - Investigating a Diagnostic Test.

Anterior avulsion fracture of the tibial tuberosity in adolescents - Two case reports / Fratura-avulsão tuberosidade anterior da tíbia em adolescente - Relato de dois casos

ABSTRACT The objective here was to report two rare cases of anterior avulsion fracture of the tibial tuberosity in adolescents. Case 1 was a 15-year-old male who became injured through landing on his left knee and presented limited extension. Case 2 was a 16-year-old basketball player who presented sudden pain in the right knee and functional incapacity, after a jump. Imaging examinations (radiographs and computed tomography) showed anterior avulsion fractures of the tibial tuberosity. Surgical fixation was performed using screws and anchors, while avoiding growth plate injury. The cases evolved without lower-limb deformities.

RESUMO O objetivo é relatar dois casos raros de fratura-avulsão da tuberosidade anterior da tíbia em adolescentes. Caso 1: 15 anos, masculino, apresentou trauma em aterrissagem em joelho esquerdo, com limitação da extensão. Caso 2: 16 anos, jogador de basquete com dor súbita joelho direito e incapacidade funcional após salto. Exames de imagem (radiografias e tomografias) evidenciaram as fraturas-avulsão da tuberosidade anterior da tíbia. Feita fixação cirúrgica com parafusos e âncoras que evitou a lesão fisária. Evoluíram sem deformidades em membros inferiores.

Importance of radiological studies by means of computed tomography for managing fractures of the tibial plateau / Importância do estudo radiológico por meio de tomografia computadorizada no manejo das fraturas do platô tibial

Objectives: To evaluate the concordance among knee surgery specialists regarding the classification and surgical technique indicated in cases of tibial plateau fracture, using conventional radiographs and computed tomography. Methods: Forty-four patients with fractures of the tibial plateau shown on radiographic and tomographic images were selected. These were evaluated by specialists at two different times, with an interval of seven days. On the first occasion, the specialists only had access to the radiographs, while on the second occasion they had access to both radiographs and computed tomography images. Their concordance was evaluated by means of the kappa coefficient. Results: The interobserver reliability of the Schatzker classification on the first occasion was 0.36 and on the second occasion, 0.35. This was considered to present low reproducibility. In evaluating the intra-observer reproducibility of this classification, the mean kappa index was 0.42, which was classified as moderate. From evaluating the choice of surgical access, the inter-observer reliability was 0.55 on the first occasion and 0.50 on the second, which was considered to present moderate reproducibility. Evaluation on the implant chosen showed that the interobserver reliability was 0.01 on the first occasion and −0.06 on the second, which was considered to be poor and discordant. In evaluating the classification of the three columns, the inter-observer reproducibility was 0.47 (p< 0.0001), which was classified as moderate concordance. Conclusion: Use of computed tomography did not present any improvement in the inter-observer concordance, using the Schatzker classification, and did not produce any change in the preoperative planning...

Objetivos: Avaliar a concordância entre especialistas em cirurgia de joelho com relação à classificação e à técnica cirúrgica indicada nas fraturas do platô tibial com o uso das radio-grafias convencionais e da tomografia computadorizada. Métodos: Foram selecionados 44 pacientes com fraturas de platô tibial com suas imagens radiográficas e tomográficas, as quais foram avaliadas por especialistas em dois momen-tos distintos, com intervalo de sete dias. No primeiro momento os especialistas tiveram acesso apenas às radiografias e no segundo às radiografias e às imagens de tomografia computadorizada. A concordância foi avaliada por meio do coeficiente kappa. Resultados: A confiabilidade interobservador para a classificação de Schatzker no primeiro momento foi 0,36 e no segundo 0,35, consideradas de baixa reprodutibilidade. Na avaliação da reprodutibilidade intraobservador dessa classificação, a média do índice κfoi de 0,42, classificada como moderada. A avaliação da escolha do acesso cirúrgico teve uma confiabilidade interobservador de 0,55 num primeiro momento e 0,50 no segundo, consideradas de reprodutibilidade moderada. Quando avaliado o implante escolhido, a confiabilidade interobservador foi de 0,01 no primeiro momento e −0,06 no segundo, consideradas ruim e discordante. Na avaliação da classificação das três colunas, a reprodutibilidade interobservador foi de 0,47 (p< 0,0001), classificada como concordância moderada. Conclusão: O uso da tomografia computadorizada não apresentou melhoria na concordância interobservador na classificação de Schatzker, bem como não promoveu mudança no planejamento pré-operatório...