Measurement of thoracolumbar kyphosis after burst fracture: evaluation of intraobserver, interobserver, and variability of 4 measurement methods.

There are various methods for measuring kyphosis after thoracolumbar burst fracture. The reliability and reproducibility of these methods are not well defined. In the study reported here, we examined 4 commonly used measurement methods in order to determine intraobserver variability, interobserver variability, and variability between measurement methods. All 4 methods were found to be accurate and reproducible when used by 4 observers on 2 occasions. One method, in comparison with the others, tended to overestimate degree of kyphosis. Understanding the methods for measuring kyphotic deformity after thoracolumbar burst fracture is essential in making decisions about prognosis and treatment.