Orthopedics Today reports on HSS study results published in Arthroscopy finding several assessments for patellofemoral instability yielded poor interrater reliability and includes commentary from first study author Peter D. Fabricant, MD, MPH, pediatric orthopedic surgeon at HSS.

Dr. Fabricant said, “Surgical decision-making for children and adolescents with patellofemoral instability relies heavily on radiographic measurement parameters that can assess for multiple factors that are contributing to patellofemoral instability. This study found that interrater reliability of many currently used patellofemoral instability parameters was unacceptably low.”

He continued, “Lack of measurement reliability can jeopardize patient care both when determining surgical indications, as well as choosing an appropriate procedure based upon skeletal maturity.”

“This study will help surgeons ensure they are using a standardized definition or technique for radiographic measurements in children with patellofemoral instability and to help eliminate unreliable measurements from clinical decision-making algorithms,” he added.

Read the full article at Healio.com/orthopedics.