Computed tomography of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures after distraction with a bridging external fixation

Background The goal of this study was to compare the inter- and intra-observer reliabilities of computed tomography (CT) scans of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures (Bi-TPFs) with or without distraction with a bridging external fixation (EF) as interpreted by inexperienced surgeons. Methods Patients that underwent CT after distraction with a bridging EF were allocated to group 1 (n=18), and patients that underwent CT before distraction with a bridging EF were allocated to group 2 (n=18). Five observers were given plain radiographs and CT images to assess (survey 1) and this assessment was repeated six weeks later (survey 2). Agreements regarding fracture classification and pre-operative planning were evaluated using kappa coefficients. In addition, to evaluate fracture severity, we designed a severity score. Results Inter-observer reliabilities for fracture classification and pre-operative planning were higher in group 1 than in group 2. Surveys 1 and 2 revealed similar kappa coefficients in the two study groups. The mean absolute difference (MAD) in severity scores allocated at the two surveys was significantly different between the two groups (P=0.045). Intra-observer reliabilities of fracture classification and pre-operative planning were also higher in group 1 than in group 2. In addition, level of training was found to have a significant impact on the MAD in severity scores (P=0.007). Conclusions Inter- and intra-observer reliabilities for fracture classification and pre-operative planning were better for inexperienced surgeons when CT was performed after distraction with a bridging EF for Bi-TPFs. Thus, when staged treatment using EF is selected in Bi-TPF patients, the authors suggest that CT scans be performed after distraction with a bridging EF especially for inexperienced surgeons.