Original article
The reliability of validity of the Vancouver classification of femoral fractures after hip replacement

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0883-5403(00)91181-1Get rights and content

Abstract

This study assessed the reliability and validity of a new classification system for fractures of the femur after hip arthroplasty. Forty radiographs were evaluated by 6 observers, 3 experts and 3 nonexperts. Each observer read the radiographs on 2 separate occasions and classified each case as to its type (A, B, C) and subtype (B1, B2, B3). Reliability was assessed by looking at the intraobserver and interobserver agreement using the κ statistic. Validity was assessed within the B group by looking at the agreement between the radiographic classification and the intraoperative findings. Our findings suggest that this classification system is reliable and valid. Intraobserver agreement was consistent across observers, ranging from 0.73 to 0.83. There was a negligible difference between experts and nonexperts. Interobserver agreement was 0.61 for the first reading and 0.64 for the second reading by κ analysis, indicating substantial agreement between observers. Validity analysis revealed an observed agreement κ value of 0.78, indicating substantial agreement. This study has shown that this classification is reliable and valid.

References (13)

  • KavanaghBF

    Femoral fractures associated with total hip artholasty

    Orthop Clin North Am

    (1992)
  • BealsRK et al.

    Periprosthetic fractures of the femur—an analysis of 93 fractures

    Clin Orthop

    (1996)
  • BetheaJSI et al.

    Proximal femoral fractures following total hip arthroplasty

    Clin Orthop

    (1982)
  • CookePH et al.

    Fracture of the femur in relation to cemented hip prosthesis

    J Bone Joint Surg Br

    (1988)
  • JohanssonJE et al.

    Fracture of the ipsilateral femur in patients with total hip replacement

    J Bone Joint Surg Am

    (1977)
  • RoffmanM et al.

    Fracture of the femur after total hip arthroplasty

    Orthopedics

    (1989)
There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (0)

No benefits or funds were received in support of this study.

View full text