Soheil Ashkani-Esfahani, Olivia Lucchese, Rohan Bhimani, Atta Taseh, Gregory Waryasz, Gino M M Kerkhoffs, Mario Maas, Christopher W DiGiovanni, Daniel Guss
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Weight-bearing CT (WBCT) 3D volumetric measurement has shown promising accuracy for the diagnosis of syndesmotic instability. However, these measurements are rather complex and time-consuming, rendering them a clinically unfavorable option. We hypothesized that automatized measurements would be more accurate and time-efficient than manual ones.
Methods: Thirty cases of intraoperatively confirmed syndesmotic instability along with thirty individuals with no injuries to the ankle joint were recruited as cases and controls, retrospectively. Two observers conducted the manual volumetric measurements two times, at a one-week interval. An automated algorithm for 3D WBCT measurements was developed to conduct the measurements on the axial images. The time spent on each method was recorded. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the values between human raters and computers. Inter- and intra-class reliability were calculated.
Results: The intra-class correlation coefficient was found to be "excellent" for the automated measurements (0.97) and "good" for the observers (0.75). Similarly, the Cronbach's alpha was shown to be higher for the computer (0.88) than the observers (0.60 and 0.62). The mean time spent on the measurements was different between human raters and the computer-assisted method (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Automated volumetric assessment of syndesmosis seems to be a faster and more reliable option than the manual one. We suggest future larger-scale prospective studies conducted under actual clinical circumstances for more definitive conclusions.
Level of evidence: Retrospective case-control study - Level 3.
期刊介绍:
Foot and Ankle Surgery is essential reading for everyone interested in the foot and ankle and its disorders. The approach is broad and includes all aspects of the subject from basic science to clinical management. Problems of both children and adults are included, as is trauma and chronic disease. Foot and Ankle Surgery is the official journal of European Foot and Ankle Society.
The aims of this journal are to promote the art and science of ankle and foot surgery, to publish peer-reviewed research articles, to provide regular reviews by acknowledged experts on common problems, and to provide a forum for discussion with letters to the Editors. Reviews of books are also published. Papers are invited for possible publication in Foot and Ankle Surgery on the understanding that the material has not been published elsewhere or accepted for publication in another journal and does not infringe prior copyright.