Interobserver Analysis of Albertoni Classification for Mallet Finger, Using Plain Radiography: Importance of the Goniometer

• Main Authors: Tomás Santos Vasconcelos Barros, Antônio José Jeha, Guilherme Vieira Borchio Ribeiro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Ortopedia e Traumatologia
• Series: Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia
• Subjects: deformidades adquiridas da mão/classificação; traumatismos dos dedos; reprodutibilidade dos testes; ruptura; traumatismos dos tendões
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-36162020000200198&lng=en&tlng=en
• ISSN: 0102-3616; 1982-4378

Abstract Objectives The objective of the present study is to evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the Albertoni classification for mallet finger. Evaluation of goniometer device application is also an objective. Methods A total of 10 lateral radiographs of patients with mallet finger were selected and measured by 60 orthopedic surgeons with and without the use of goniometer. Results The intra- and interobserver reliability coefficients found were high. With the use of a goniometer, the interobserver reliability coefficient was even higher, but without statistical relevance. Conclusion The Albertoni classification showed high intraobserver and interobserver reliability in assessing mallet finger lesions, and the goniometer is dispensable for this purpose.