Reliability and reproducibility of classifications for distal radius fractures

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility of the Universal, AO, Fernandez and Frykman classifications for distal radius fractures. Methods: Fifty standard sets of posteroanterior and lateral roentgenograms of displaced distal radius fractures were classified two times by two groups of evaluators at 2-month intervals. The first group consisted of 10 orthopedic surgeons with a minimum of 5 years of experience. The second group consisted of 10 orthopedic residents in their first two years of practice. Interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility were assessed using Cohen’s kappa test. Results: None of the classifications achieved good – very good reliability levels. The Fernandez classification had a moderate and the others had a fair interobserver agreement kappa coefficient. All classifications had fair kappa intraobserver agreement although the Frykman and Fernandez classifications had better results. Conclusion: None of the classification systems were superior in terms of reliability and reproducibility. The reliability and reproducibility rates of all four classifications were insufficient.