Global Validation of the AO Spine Upper Cervical Injury Classification: Geographic Region Affects Reliability and Reproducibility.
Publication Title
Global Spine J
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-29-2022
Keywords
washington; swedish; swedish neuro
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN: Global Survey.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy, interobserver reliability, and intraobserver reproducibility of the AO Spine Upper Cervical Injury Classification System based on surgeons' AO Spine region of practice (Africa, Asia, Central/South America, Europe, Middle East, and North America).
METHODS: A total of 275 AO Spine members assessed 25 upper cervical spine injuries and classified them according to the AO Spine Upper Cervical Injury Classification System. Reliability, reproducibility, and accuracy scores were obtained over two assessments administered at three-week intervals. Kappa coefficients (ƙ) determined the interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility.
RESULTS: On both assessments, participants from Europe and North America had the highest classification accuracy, while participants from Africa and Central/South America had the lowest accuracy (
CONCLUSIONS: The AO Spine Upper Cervical Injury Classification System can be applied with high accuracy, interobserver reliability, and intraobserver reproducibility. However, lower classification accuracy and reliability were found in regions of Africa and Central/South America, especially for severe atlas injuries (IIB and IIC) and atypical hangman's type fractures (IIIB injuries).
Area of Special Interest
Neurosciences (Brain & Spine)
Area of Special Interest
Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Specialty/Research Institute
Orthopedics
Specialty/Research Institute
Neurosciences
