The inter and intraobserver reliability of measurements of the distal radius radiographic indices

Distal radius fracture is the most common forearm fracture. The goal of distal radius fracture treatment is to restore normal anatomic indices. This study is designed for assessment of interobserver and intraobserver reliability of radiographic indices of the distal radius. We evaluated posteroanterior and lateral standard radiographs of 10 normal wrists. The obtained radiographs were evaluated for radial length, radial inclination and radial tilt by 4 observers and the process was repeated after 6 weeks. The interobserver reliability results for assessment of the radial length, radial inclination and radial tilt by using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were good (ICC = 0.672, 0.649, 0.631 respectively). Intraobserver reliability results for radial length (ICC = 0.606) and radial tilt (ICC = 0.605) were good but for radial inclination moderate (ICC = 0.582). Standard radiographs of wrist can be used for evaluation of radiographic indices with good or moderate interobserver or intraobserver reliability.