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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2017; 30(06): 377-384
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-16-09-0134
Original Research
Schattauer GmbH

Evaluation of Intra- and Inter-observer Measurement Variability of a Radiographic Stifle Osteoarthritis Scoring System in Dogs

Marlis Wessely
1   Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
,
Andreas Brühschwein
2   Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction, Centre of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
,
Eva Schnabl-Feichter
1   Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 16 September 2016

accepted after revision 16 July 2017

Publication Date:
04 December 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the intra- and inter-observer measurement variability of an existing osteoarthritis (OA) stifle scoring system.

Methods Paired caudocranial and mediolateral canine stifle radiographs were selected randomly. A total of 15 assessment points were evaluated independently andgradedtwice (integer numericscale:1–4) at an interval of 2 weeks by three observers with different levels of experience. The grades for each of the 15 factors were summed to obtain the OA score for each patient.

Results The 15 independent assessment points measured by the three observers showed high reproducibility and low intra-observer variability. Inter-observer variability was also low (mean: 1.09 4.99, 95% CI [confidence interval]: –0.35 to 2.55). The most discordant ratings among the three observers involved sesamoid bones of gastrocnemius muscle (assessment point 11 of 15) and popliteal surface of femur (assessment point 10 of 15).

Clinical Significance A validated and feasible OA scoring method is prerequisite for reliable radiographic assessment of OA progression. The low overall inter- and intra-observer variabilities among the 15 independent measures of the OA scoring system presented herein support its feasibility for application in clinical practice as an objective tool for radiographic scoring of stifle OA.

Keywords

stifle joint - radiography - osteoarthritis - dogs - cruciate ligament disease
 

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