Interobserver variation of the sonographic diagnosis of orbital floor fractures and fractures of the infraorbital margin

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the interobserver variation of the ultrasound diagnosis of orbital floor fractures and fractures of the infraorbital rim. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 25 patients with a clinical diagnosis of an orbital trauma were investigated prospectively by computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography (US). Inter-observer variation was calculated using the lambda coefficient (lambda). The US images were reassessed by two inexperienced investigators. RESULTS: The lambda value for the US investigation of the orbital floor showed poor reliability comparing the US findings with the results of the re-investigators. The comparison between the two re-investigators showed a good reliability for the US evaluation of the orbital floor. The lambda for the US investigation of the infraorbital margin showed a good reliability comparing the US findings with the results of the both re-investigators. The comparison of the two re-investigators showed a good reliability as well. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound is not yet an alternative method for the evaluation of orbital floor fractures and fractures of the infraorbital margin. To replace CT which is accepted as the current gold standard, further studies have to be done to reach a better diagnostic quality of the method and to achieve a better calibration of the investigations.