Abstract
Fractures of the thoracolumbar spine are now so common that most orthopaedic surgeons are likely to have to handle one. It is important that we have common terms of reference when we assess, manage and discuss outcomes of these injuries.
The authors plan to assess the intra-observer and inter-observer interpretation of six plain radiographs of thoraco-lumbar fractures. Volunteer orthopaedic surgeons attending the SAOA Congress will be asked to classify the six radiographs twice, on different days, and the radiographic labelling will be changed. Participants will be given the Margel and Dennis classifications for reference. Participants’ names will not be required, only their year of qualification and exposure to spinal surgery.
The results will be analysed statistically and communicated to the orthopaedic community in due course.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor M. B. E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to him at The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical School, University of Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193 South Africa
