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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Rec / Inter- and intra-observer agreement for grading radiographs ...
The Veterinary record2021; 190(6); e1065; doi: 10.1002/vetr.1065

Inter- and intra-observer agreement for grading radiographs of thoracolumbar spinous processes in healthy horses during a pre-purchase examination.

Abstract: There is wide variability in radiographic grading systems in thoracolumbar spinous processes in horses. The aim of this study was to determine the agreement of grading different parameters, and combinations of those, in radiographs of the spinous processes of the equine thoracolumbar spine in the scope of a pre-purchase examination. We hypothesized that agreement is variable and interpretation of these radiographs is difficult. Methods: Radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine of healthy horses (N = 100) were assessed by three observers. Spinous processes were separately graded for interspinous space width, modelling, radiopacities, radiolucencies and isolated opacities dorsally. Inter- and intra-observer agreement was assessed for individual and combinations of parameters. Results: Agreement (inter- and intra-observer) was good for the following parameters: interspinous space width, isolated opacities dorsally, beak-shaped formations craniodorsally and modelling cranioventrally. The agreement increased slightly for a sum of specific parameters such as radiopacities, modelling, dorsal abnormalities and related abnormalities involving increased opacity, modelling and osseous cyst-like lesions. Agreement for the total radiographic abnormalities per back was moderate. Conclusions: Grading of thoracolumbar radiographs in horses without back pain showed good inter- and intra-observer agreement for specific parameters and these should be used in future grading of spinous processes. Limitations should be considered in pre-purchase examinations.
© 2021 British Veterinary Association.
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Publication Date: 2021-10-23 PubMed ID: 34687227DOI: 10.1002/vetr.1065Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research study evaluated consistency in the grading of radiographs of horse thoracolumbar spinous processes used during pre-purchase examinations. The researchers found that agreement among observers was good for specific parameters and suggested these parameters should be used in future grading systems.

Objective of the Study

  • The purpose of this research was to gauge the level of agreement among observers in grading various parameters in radiographs of the spinous processes of a horse’s thoracolumbar spine. The study aimed to enhance the accuracy and reliability of these radiographs, which play a crucial role in pre-purchase examinations of horses.

Research Methodology

  • Three observers assessed radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine of 100 healthy horses. The spinous processes were individually evaluated for interspinous space width, modelling, radiopacities, radiolucencies and isolated opacities dorsally.
  • The study then analyzed inter- and intra-observer agreement for these individual parameters, as well as their combinations. Inter-observer agreement pertains to the level of agreement among different observers, while intra-observer agreement refers to the consistency of an individual observer’s assessments over time.

Results

  • The study found good inter- and intra-observer agreement for parameters such as interspinous space width, dorsal isolated opacities, craniodorsal beak-shaped formations, and cranioventral modelling.
  • The agreement slightly improved for the combined parameters including radiopacities, modelling, dorsal abnormalities and related abnormalities involving increased opacity, modelling and osseous cyst-like lesions.
  • However, agreement for total radiographic abnormalities per back was found to be moderate.

Conclusions and Implications

  • Grading of thoracolumbar radiographs in horses without back pain showed a good level of agreement among observers and between the repeats by the same observer for specific parameters. The research hence suggests that these parameters should be more widely used in future grading systems for spinous processes.
  • The findings can help improve the reliability of pre-purchase examinations of horses, thereby assisting potential buyers in making more informed decisions. However, the study also cautioned that limitations should be kept in mind while conducting pre-purchase examinations.

Cite This Article

APA
Looijen MGP, Hanousek K, Maree JTM, Visser MC, Berner D. (2021). Inter- and intra-observer agreement for grading radiographs of thoracolumbar spinous processes in healthy horses during a pre-purchase examination. Vet Rec, 190(6), e1065. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.1065

Publication

The Veterinary record
ISSN: 2042-7670
NlmUniqueID: 0031164
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 190
Issue: 6
Pages: e1065

Researcher Affiliations

Looijen, Maty G P
  • Equine Referral Hospital, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK.
Hanousek, Katherine
  • Equine Referral Hospital, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK.
Maree, Jacques T M
  • Evidensia Veterinair Centrum Honselersdijk, Honselersdijk, The Netherlands.
Visser, Margriet C
  • Evidensia Veterinair Centrum Honselersdijk, Honselersdijk, The Netherlands.
Berner, Dagmar
  • Equine Referral Hospital, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Observer Variation
  • Physical Examination
  • Radiography
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Vertebral Body

References

This article includes 31 references
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