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

Abstract

To evaluate the intra- and inter-observer measurement variability of an existing osteoarthritis (OA) stifle scoring system. Paired caudocranial and mediolateral canine stifle radiographs were selected randomly. A total of 15 assessment points were evaluated independently and graded twice (integer numeric scale: 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. 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). 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.

Stifle joint osteoarthritis at the time of diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament injury is higher in Boxers and in dogs weighing more than 35 kilograms

“…This osteophyte size is similar to what have been described in the canine elbow . Interobserver agreement was high (Pearson's correlation coefficients ranging from 0.858 and 0.921) and was comparable to the interobserver agreement reported in a study that included 15 anatomic landmarks (Pearson's correlation coefficients ranging from 0.837 to 0.868) …”

Assessment of Intra- and Inter-observer Measurement Variability in a Radiographic Metacarpophalangeal Joint Osteophytosis Scoring System for the Horse

“…In daily clinical practice, conventional radiography is still the most commonly used imaging technique [12]. Radiographic findings observed in MCP joint OA include lesions in periarticular soft tissues, synovial effusion, osteophytosis, enthesopathy, intra-articular mineralization, subchondral sclerosis, formation of subchondral cysts, and thinning of the joint space [2,7,13,14]. Although the pathophysiology of osteophyte production is not completely understood [15], it is acknowledged that they appear at the beginning of the pathological process of OA [10,14].…”

Role of Tibial Tuberosity Fracture/Fissure through the Maquet Hole in Stifle Osteoarthritis after Porous Tibial Tuberosity Advancement in Dogs at Mid-Term Follow-Up

“…To assess the OA stage, we used a scoring system already validated and described previously [3,20] but modified for this specific study. In particular, we removed the anatomical points relative to the tibial tuberosity from the evaluation, because during TTA it is affected by the osteotomy, and during healing it presents radiographic changes as a function of bone repair of the osteotomy line and integration of the titanium cage.…”

“…Five independent observers with different experience in evaluating the degree of osteoarthritis evaluated radiograms in mediolateral and cranial caudal views. The staging protocol for osteoarthritis of the knee was evaluated by applying a method modified from the one suggested by Wessely in 2017 [20], eliminating from the analysis the anatomical points relating to the tibial tuberosity, as they were considered not assessable in the course of TTA.…”