Dimensional measurement of structural features of the ovine knee using three-dimensional reconstructed imaging: intra- and inter-observer repeatability

• Published in: Radiography (London, England. 1995) England. 1995), 2004-11, Vol.10 (4), p.269-276
• Main Authors: Kurmis, Andrew P., Hearn, Trevor C., Grimmer, Karen, Reynolds, Karen J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dimensional measurement; Inter-observer repeatability; Intra-observer repeatability; Knee joint; MR imaging; Reconstructive imaging; Three-dimensional imaging
• ISSN: 1078-8174; 1532-2831
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2004.02.013

The aim of this study was to establish intra- and inter-observer repeatability in the direct linear measurement of knee structures displayed using three-dimensional (3-D) reconstructed computer imaging. To test inter-observer repeatability, using a commercially available image reconstruction software package, seven observers were asked to record measurements for each of 30 individual structural features identified from a previously generated series of MR-based 3-D computer reconstructions of a single, complete, ovine knee. To test intra-observer repeatability, a single observer was asked to record measurements of the same 30 features on three separate occasions. Statistical analysis of the collected data suggests a high degree of repeat measurement agreement both within ( P=0.76) and between observers ( P=0.87). The findings of this study suggest that defined linear measurements can be generated from 3-D MR images created using the new reconstructive system, by imaging technologists, with a high degree of both intra- and inter-observer repeatability. This result, linked with the outcome of ongoing validity and clinical testing, will contribute to support the wider acceptance and use of this new cost-effective 3-D technique, and form a platform onto which ongoing work in this area can be built.