Development and Preliminary Validation of a Digital Overlay-based Learning Module for Semiquantitative Evaluation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Lesions in Osteoarthritis of the Hip.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a knowledge transfer (KT) module aimed at enhancing feasibility and reliability of semiquantitative assessment of bone marrow lesions (BML) and synovitis-effusion using the Hip Inflammation Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring System (HIMRISS). METHODS: Three radiologists naive to the HIMRISS method reviewed the manuscript describing the method and then scored MRI scans from 16 patients with hip OA obtained at baseline and 8 weeks after intraarticular injection of corticosteroid. Readers then reviewed a KT module comprising an instructional presentation and 8 reference DICOM (digital imaging and communications in medicine) cases scored by 3 readers with expertise in the HIMRISS method, and then used electronic overlay software to score scans from 23 patients with OA. The same format was followed with a second group of 3 readers naive to HIMRISS using a KT module revised to incorporate the overlay with a Web-based DICOM viewer to enhance feasibility. Interobserver reliability was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: In both exercises, reliability for baseline scores was excellent for femoral BML, very good for acetabular BML, and good for synovitis-effusion (overall ICC = 0.91, 0.89, 0.62, respectively) even without prior calibration using the KT module. However, reliability for detecting change was substantially worse than for expert readers, especially for acetabular BML and synovitis-effusion (overall ICC = 0.59 vs 0.19, and 0.42 vs 0.25, respectively). Reliability improved for detection of change in these lesions, especially after reader calibration with the revised KT module. CONCLUSION: Development and validation of a systematic method for KT may enhance external validation of certain imaging instruments.

Development of Image Overlay and Knowledge Transfer Module Technologies Aimed at Enhancing Feasibility and External Validation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Scoring Systems.

OBJECTIVE: Semiquantitative arthritis scoring assesses disease burden by scoring presence/extent of features such as bone marrow lesion (BML) or effusion in multiple anatomic regions at a joint. An image overlay clarifying region borders may enhance feasibility and reliability of these scoring systems. To be scalable for use in large clinical trials, systematic computer-based user training is desirable. We developed an overlay and user training module for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based scoring of hip osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: We designed a semitransparent 2-dimensional image overlay applied to individual MRI slices to facilitate hip OA scoring [HIMRISS (Hip Inflammation MRI Scoring System)], initially using freeware and then in a customized HTML Web browser environment. We developed a systematic knowledge translation package including instructional presentation, fully scored expert consensus cases, and video tutorials for training in the use of these scoring systems with the overlays. Three musculoskeletal radiologists who had not used this scoring system before each performed a scoring exercise with no overlay, then repeated this with overlays after completing the training module. Based on postexercise interviews and a reader survey, we identified and corrected problems in the module. The entire training process was then repeated using 3 new readers. RESULTS: Overlays were considered useful, particularly when integrated into a Web browser. The knowledge translation module was considered conceptually valuable, but as initially implemented was too lengthy and not sufficiently interactive. CONCLUSION: Semitransparent image overlays and standardized knowledge translation modules for reader training show promise to facilitate reader calibration using MRI-based scoring systems. Based on our experience, knowledge translation modules should emphasize close feedback evaluating performance and reader time efficiency.