The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume
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J Bone Joint Surg Am · Sep 2003
Letournel classification for acetabular fractures. Assessment of interobserver and intraobserver reliability.
A fracture classification system enables communication among surgeons and provides guidelines for treatment as well as some estimate of prognosis. Thus, the system should be anatomically meaningful and reliable. The purpose of this study was to assess the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of Letournel's acetabular fracture classification and the effect of computed tomography on its reliability. ⋯ Letournel's acetabular classification with use of plain radiographs with or without supplemental computed tomography scans has substantial reliability (kappa > 0.7) when used by surgeons who have been taught how to interpret the images or by those who treat acetabular fractures on a regular basis. The value of computed tomography scans in the evaluation of acetabular fractures has been well established for the identification of loose bodies and articular impaction; however, they do not appear to be essential for the classification of acetabular fractures.
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J Bone Joint Surg Am · Sep 2003
Occupational exposure from common fluoroscopic projections used in orthopaedic surgery.
Personnel assisting in or performing fluoroscopically guided procedures may be exposed to high doses of radiation. Accurate occupational dosimetric data for the orthopaedic theater staff are of paramount importance for practicing radiation safety. ⋯ The levels of occupational exposure vary considerably with the type of fluoroscopically assisted procedure, staff positioning, and the radiation protection measures used. The data presented in the current study will allow for accurate estimation of the occupational dose to orthopaedic theater personnel.