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  • Title: Plain X-ray is insufficient for correct diagnosis of tibial shaft spiral fractures: a prospective trial.
    Author: Lisitano L, Röttinger T, Wiedl A, Rau K, Helling S, Cifuentes J, Jehs B, Härting M, Feitelson LM, Gleich J, Kiesl S, Pfeufer D, Neuerburg C, Mayr E, Förch S.
    Journal: Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg; 2023 Dec; 49(6):2339-2345. PubMed ID: 37269304.
    Abstract:
    PURPOSE: Tibial shaft spiral fractures and fractures of the distal third of the tibia (AO:42A/B/C and 43A) frequently occur with non-displaced posterior malleolus fractures (PM). This study investigated the hypothesis that plain X-ray is not sufficient for a reliable diagnosis of associated non-displaced PM fractures in tibial shaft spiral fractures. METHODS: 50 X-rays showing 42A/B/C and 43A fractures were evaluated by two groups of physicians, each group was comprised of a resident and a fellowship-trained traumatologist or radiologist. Each group was tasked to make a diagnosis and/or suggest if further imaging was needed. One group was primed with the incidence of PM fractures and asked to explicitly assess the PM. RESULTS: Overall, 9.13/25 (SD ± 5.77) PM fractures were diagnosed on X-ray. If the posterior malleolus fracture was named or a CT was requested, the fracture was considered "detected". With this in mind, 14.8 ± 5.95 posterior malleolus fractures were detected. Significantly more fractures were diagnosed/detected (14 vs. 4.25/25; p < 0.001/14.8 vs. 10.5/25; p < 0.001) in the group with awareness. However, there were significantly more false positives in the awareness group (2.5 vs. 0.5; p = 0.024). Senior physicians recognized slightly more fractures than residents (residents: 13.0 ± 7.79; senior physicians: 16.5 ± 3.70; p = 0.040). No significant differences were demonstrated between radiologists and trauma surgeons. The inner-rater reliability was high with 91.2% agreement. Inter-rater reliability showed fair agreement (Fleiss-Kappa 0.274, p < 0.001) across all examiners and moderate agreement (Fleiss-Kappa 0.561, p < 0.001) in group 2. CONCLUSION: Only 17% of PM fractures were identified on plain X-ray and awareness of PM only improved diagnosis by 39%. While experiencing improved accuracy, CT imaging should be included in a comprehensive examination of tibial shaft spiral fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II. Diagnostic prospective cohort study. TRAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER: DRKS00030075.
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