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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 1/2008

Open Access 01-12-2008 | Research article

Inter- and intraobserver reliability of the MTM-classification for proximal humeral fractures: A prospective study

Authors: Christian Bahrs, Hagen Schmal, Erich Lingenfelter, Bernd Rolauffs, Kuno Weise, Klaus Dietz, Peter Helwig

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2008

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Abstract

Background

A precise modular topographic-morphological (MTM) classification for proximal humeral fractures may address current classification problems. The classification was developed to evaluate whether a very detailed classification exceeding the analysis of fractured parts may be a valuable tool.

Methods

Three observers classified plain radiographs of 22 fractures using both a simple version (fracture displacement, number of parts) and an extensive version (individual topographic fracture type and morphology) of the MTM classification. Kappa-statistics were used to determine reliability.

Results

An acceptable reliability was found for the simple version classifying fracture displacement and fractured main parts. Fair interobserver agreement was found for the extensive version with individual topographic fracture type and morphology.

Conclusion

Although the MTM-classification covers a wide spectrum of fracture types, our results indicate that the precise topographic and morphological description is not delivering reproducible results. Therefore, simplicity in fracture classification may be more useful than extensive approaches, which are not adequately reliable to address current classification problems.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Inter- and intraobserver reliability of the MTM-classification for proximal humeral fractures: A prospective study
Authors
Christian Bahrs
Hagen Schmal
Erich Lingenfelter
Bernd Rolauffs
Kuno Weise
Klaus Dietz
Peter Helwig
Publication date
01-12-2008
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2008
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-9-21

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