Original Research
Evaluation of Reliability of the Mason Classification for Radial Head Fractures
Am J Orthop. 2010 September;39(9):430-432
Author and Disclosure Information
Mark T. Dillon, MD, Charles L. Getz, MD, Pedro K. Beredjiklian, MD, Brent B. Wiesel, MD, Gregory F. Carolan, MD, and Matthew L. Ramsey, MD
Dr. Dillon is Attending Surgeon, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Permanente Medical Group, Sacramento, California.
Dr. Getz is Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Institute and Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Beredjiklian is Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, and Chief of Hand Surgery Division, Rothman Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Wiesel is Chief of Shoulder Service, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC.
Dr. Carolan is Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and St. Luke's Orthopaedic Specialists, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Ramsey is Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Institute and Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
In the study reported here, we sought to determine the interobserver reliability and the intraobserver reproducibility of the Mason classification. We also evaluated the effect of having an external rotation oblique view on agreement in radiographic readings. Four readers reviewed 50 radial head fracture radiographs approximately 2 months apart. Half the radiographs had an anteroposterior view and a lateral view; the other half had an additional external rotation oblique view. There was a trend toward improved interobserver agreement in the 3-view radiographs. Three of the 4 readers demonstrated substantial intraobserver reproducibility, which was noted to be higher when 3 views were available.