This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Rockwood classification unreliable in acromioclavicular joint dislocation
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
The Rockwood classification of acromioclavicular joint dislocations and of decisions regarding treatment was unreliable, with no improvement in reliability of classification and treatment with the addition of 3D computed tomography, according to study results.
In 28 cases with acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation, 10 surgeons independently reviewed plain radiographs alone, followed by plain radiographs and 3D CT 2 weeks later. The same survey was repeated 4 weeks later to evaluate intraobserver reliability.
Interobserver of the Rockwood classification was fair and intraobserver was moderate on the basis of plain radiographs alone, whereas interobserver and intraobserver reliability of treatment were both fair.
Through a combination of plain radiographs and 3D CT, researchers found interobserver reliability of the Rockwood classification was slight and intraobserver was moderate, whereas interobserver reliability of treatment was fair and intraobserver was moderate.
“Inconsistent agreement with use of this system limits its role in clinical decision-making,” the researchers concluded. “We suggest a need for better grading system and for radiographic tools to quantify injury severity and to improve interobserver agreement.”
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts