Does the CT improve inter- and intra-observer agreement for the AO,Fernandez and Universal classification systems for distal radius fractures?

Introduction

Distal radius fractures are very common upper limb injuries irrespective of the patient's age. The aim of our study is to evaluate the reliability of the three systems that are often used for their classification (AO – Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation, Fernandez and Universal) and to assess the need for computed tomography (CT) scan to improve inter- and intra-observer agreement.

Materials and methods

Five orthopaedic surgeons and two hand surgeons classified radiographs and CT scans of 26 patients using the Fernandez, AO and Universal systems. All data were recorded using MS Excel and Kappa statistics were performed to determine inter- and intra-observer agreement and to evaluate the role of CT scan.

Results

Fair-to-moderate inter-observer agreement was noted with the use of X-rays for all classification systems. Intra-observer reproducibility did not improve with the addition of CT scans, especially for the senior hand surgeons.

Conclusions

The agreement rates observed in the present study show that currently there is no classification system that is fully reproducible. Adequate experience is required for the assessment and treatment of these injuries. CT scan should be requested only by experienced hand surgeons in order to help guide treatment, as it does not significantly improve inter- and intra-observer agreement for all classification systems.     

后方韧带复合体完整性在胸腰椎骨折中的临床意义

目的 探讨胸腰椎骨折中后方韧带复合体（PLC）完整性的临床意义。方法 回顾性分析自2008-07-2012-12收治的93例胸腰椎骨折,根据临床查体结合影像资料将其分为PLC完整组41例与PLC损伤组52例。结果 与PLC完整组相比,PLC损伤组的Denis分型与AO分型分布有明显区别。PLC损伤组中LCS评分、LSC〉7分比例、TLICS评分、TLICS〉5分比例、除外PLC项目的 TLICS评分、Cobb角度与PLC完整组相比差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;2组的年龄、性别及椎管占位率之间对比差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。PLC损伤组神经功能ASIA分级较PLC完整组更重。结论 PLC的完整性是评估胸腰椎骨折损伤程度的重要指标,其与骨折的分型、损伤评分、后凸畸形及神经功能损伤等方面密切相关。     

A systematic literature review of tibial plateau fractures: What classifications are used and how reliable and useful are they?

IntroductionClassification systems such as the Schatzker and AO/OTA have been proposed for standardised assessment of tibial plateau fractures and to guide clinical decision making. However, there has been no comprehensive literature review of all classification systems for tibial plateau fractures, including assessment of their reliability. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and appraise previously established classification systems for tibial plateau fractures and determine their reliability for fracture classification.MethodsSix databases were searched from inception until October 2016. Classification systems for tibial plateau fractures were identified. No restriction was placed on imaging modality (plain film X-ray, CT, MRI). Data synthesis was performed to identify common features of the systems, their prevalence within the literature and studies of intra and inter-rater reliability of fracture classification using Kappa coefficient (κ).ResultsThirty-eight classification systems were identified, five of which were a sub-classification of a single fracture type from a previous tool. The Schatzker and AO/OTA classification systems were the most commonly reported. Of the tools identified only five have been tested for inter and intra-observer reliability (Schatzker, AO/OTA, Duparc, Hohl and Luo). Reliability of more simplistic classification systems, such as that by Luo et al. (three-column) was typically high (intra-κ = 0.67–0.81, inter-κ = 0.71–0.87), but with the disadvantage of providing less information on fracture patterns and morphology. Intra and inter-observer reliability using plain film X-ray was frequently moderate (κ = 0.40–0.60), with 2D and 3D CT typically improving reliability of classification. Only 11 of the 32 complete classification systems identified association of fracture classification with clinical outcome.DiscussionFrequently used systems for classification of tibial plateau fractures display moderate intra and inter-observer reliability. More sophisticated imaging modalities such as 2D and 3D CT typically improve reliability estimates. Using fracture classification based on imaging findings to predict clinical outcome was not a commonly reported goal of newly developed systems. More detailed assessment of fracture patterns and morphology, in conjunction with information on surgical fixation, may be desirable for predicting outcomes and to guide clinical decision making.     

The use of a novel tablet application to quantify dysfunction in cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients

Background Context

Despite the prevalence and importance of myelopathy, there is a paucity of objective and quantitative clinical measures. The most commonly used diagnostic tools available are nonquantitative physical exam findings (eg, pathologic reflexes, and gait disturbance) and subjective scoring systems (eg, modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association [mJOA]). A decline in fine motor coordination is a hallmark of early myelopathy, which may be useful for quantitative testing.

青年战士腰椎峡部裂的分型与治疗

目的:根据青年战士腰椎峡部裂临床特点及影像学表现进行分型,根据不同分型采用不同手术方式,评价治疗效果及并发症。方法:回顾性分析2010年3月～2016年12月期间,我科收治的青年战士腰椎峡部裂患者326例。均为男性,年龄18-36岁,平均22.4±5.1岁。根据临床特点和影像学表现将所有病例分为3型,A型为单纯型峡部裂,无椎间盘突出及腰椎滑脱;B型为峡部裂伴有轻度椎间盘突出或Ⅰ度滑脱,无神经压迫症状及体征;C型为峡部裂合并Ⅰ度或Ⅱ度滑脱并椎间盘突出同时有神经压迫症状及体征。影像学检查:术前均进行腰椎正侧位、左右斜位、站立位全长正侧位X线片,腰椎CT及矢状位重建,腰椎MRI检查。腰椎X线片观察腰椎峡部裂位置及滑脱情况,腰椎CT明确峡部裂的程度及位置。腰椎MRI观察腰椎间盘突出及神经压迫情况。手术方法:A型或B型病例采用椎弓根钉固定,有滑脱进行复位,清理峡部,取髂骨峡部原位植骨。C型病例采用后路椎板减压,椎间盘切除,椎间植骨融合椎弓根螺钉内固定术。术后半年、1年、1年半门诊随访,采用视觉模拟评分(VAS)评价腰痛情况,Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)评价功能改善情况。术后半年,1年,1年半,2年及以后进行CT及矢状位重建判断峡部愈合情况。结果:A型和B型病例共305例,C型21例。283例得到随访,通过平均20.0±7.8个月的随访,VAS由术前的平均5.6±1.1分降至终末随访的1.1±0.3分,ODI由术前的平均25.2±3.2分降至末次随访的5.3±1.7分。术后半年复查CT发现,A和B型病例峡部裂愈合252例,愈合率91%(252/278),平均愈合时间12个月,愈合后再次手术取出内固定。椎间植骨病例无需取出内固定。结论:青年战士A、B型腰椎峡部裂病例采用椎弓根螺钉固定,峡部自体髂骨原位植骨融合率高,效果好,C型战士峡部裂则宜采用后路椎间植骨融合椎弓根螺钉内固定术。     

慢性阻塞性肺疾病的新定义及临床诊疗建议——基于2022年《柳叶刀》文件解读

慢性阻塞性肺疾病(以下简称慢阻肺)是一种常见的慢性气道异质性疾病。近年来,尽管国内外慢阻肺相关研究不断深入,管理日趋完善,但仍有许多难点亟待解决。2022年9月,《柳叶刀》杂志发布《消除慢阻肺之路》,该文件针对慢阻肺的认识、诊断、评估和个体化治疗等方面提出了新理念并提供临床诊疗指导。本文重点对该文件中慢阻肺的分类、诊断标准及诊断建议、慢阻肺的急性加重和迈向消除慢阻肺5个方面进行介绍和解读,以期为我国临床工作者开展慢阻肺相关研究和管理提供一定的参考及启示。     

跟骨骨折

跟骨骨折是最常见的跗骨骨折，多因从高处跌下所致。其合适的骨折分型、治疗选择、手术指征、手术入路和术后处理仍存在争议。跟骨骨折分为关节外骨折和关节内骨折。sanders的分型方法对跟骨骨折治疗方法的选择及预后的判断有重要意义。跟骨骨折的治疗具有挑战性，目前尚无理想的治疗方法，有待于进一步深入研究。保守治疗适合于移位小的骨折，对于移位大或粉碎的骨折可应用手术治疗。跟骨骨折的并发症有张力性水疱，筋膜间隙综合征，伤口裂开，伤口感染，疼痛，距跟关节炎等。本文对跟骨骨折的损伤机制、分型、评分、治疗方法及并发症等作一综述。