AIM: Inter- and intraobserver reliability and learning curve using Graf's ultrasonographic hip examination were assessed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 189 participants of the basic, advanced and final courses on hip ultrasound using the Graf method (DEGUM) were asked to answer a questionnaire and to measure 34 normal and pathological sonographic hip examinations. Measurement differences and the learning curve during the different courses were evaluated. RESULTS: There was a significant (p = 0.001) improvement of the average angle between the basic (6.74 degrees [+/- 1.46 degrees ]) and the advanced course (6.22 degrees [+/- 1.17 degrees ]). However, there were no better results in the final course and no additional improvement. Participants had higher variations when measuring the beta-angle than the alpha-angle. A significant improvement was seen if the participants performed a large number of hip ultrasounds between the courses. Higher measurement differences were seen in pathological hip ultrasounds and in ultrasonographic examinations of poorer quality. CONCLUSIONS: During the educational courses on hip ultrasound using the Graf method, a high intra- and interobserver variability was seen. These findings were most prominent in measurement of the beta-angle, in pathological hip ultrasounds and in ultrasonographic hip examinations of poorer quality. The best results were achieved by participants who had performed a large number of examinations between courses. For the improvement of ultrasonographic measurements, a large number of self-performed examinations and a training in potential mistakes seem to be of great importance.
AIM: Inter- and intraobserver reliability and learning curve using Graf's ultrasonographic hip examination were assessed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 189 participants of the basic, advanced and final courses on hip ultrasound using the Graf method (DEGUM) were asked to answer a questionnaire and to measure 34 normal and pathological sonographic hip examinations. Measurement differences and the learning curve during the different courses were evaluated. RESULTS: There was a significant (p = 0.001) improvement of the average angle between the basic (6.74 degrees [+/- 1.46 degrees ]) and the advanced course (6.22 degrees [+/- 1.17 degrees ]). However, there were no better results in the final course and no additional improvement. Participants had higher variations when measuring the beta-angle than the alpha-angle. A significant improvement was seen if the participants performed a large number of hip ultrasounds between the courses. Higher measurement differences were seen in pathological hip ultrasounds and in ultrasonographic examinations of poorer quality. CONCLUSIONS: During the educational courses on hip ultrasound using the Graf method, a high intra- and interobserver variability was seen. These findings were most prominent in measurement of the beta-angle, in pathological hip ultrasounds and in ultrasonographic hip examinations of poorer quality. The best results were achieved by participants who had performed a large number of examinations between courses. For the improvement of ultrasonographic measurements, a large number of self-performed examinations and a training in potential mistakes seem to be of great importance.
Authors: Christian D Peterlein; Karl F Schüttler; Stefan Lakemeier; Nina Timmesfeld; Christian Görg; Susanne Fuchs-Winkelmann; Markus D Schofer Journal: BMC Pediatr Date: 2010-12-24 Impact factor: 2.125
Authors: Wesley W E S Theunissen; Marieke van der Steen; Florens Q M P van Douveren; Adhiambo M A Witlox; Jaap J Tolk Journal: J Pediatr Orthop Date: 2021-04-01 Impact factor: 2.537
Authors: Hyoung Suk Park; Kiwan Jeon; Yeon Jin Cho; Se Woo Kim; Seul Bi Lee; Gayoung Choi; Seunghyun Lee; Young Hun Choi; Jung Eun Cheon; Woo Sun Kim; Young Jin Ryu; Jae Yeon Hwang Journal: Korean J Radiol Date: 2020-11-26 Impact factor: 3.500