Inter-Observer Variation in the Diagnosis of Coronal Articular Fracture Lines in the Lunate Facet of the Distal Radius

Background Several studies support the use of CT for diagnosing coronal fractures of the distal radius but the inter-observer reliability of these observations is less well studied. We tested the null hypothesis that radiographs alone and the combination of radiographs and two-dimensional computed tomography scans (2DCT) have the same inter-observer variation for the diagnosis of coronal articular fracture lines in the distal radius. Methods Using a web-based survey, 63 surgeons were randomized to evaluate 16 fractures of the distal radius on radiographs alone or radiographs and 2DCT for the presence or absence of a coronal fracture line of the lunate facet and, if present, the stability of the fracture. The kappa multirater measure was calculated to estimate agreement between observers. Results The inter-observer variation in diagnosis of a coronal fracture line was fair with both radiographs and 2DCT, as was the diagnosis of instability of the volar lunate facet fracture when present. Conclusion Two-dimensional computed tomography does not improve observer agreement on the diagnosis of coronal plane articular fracture lines in the lunate facet of the distal radius.