Reliability Analysis of the Distal Radius and Ulna Classification for Assessing Skeletal Maturity for Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Abstract

Study Design Prospective radiographic study. Objective To test the reliability of the Distal Radius and Ulna Classification (DRU). Methods This single-center study included prospectively recruited subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis managed with bracing. The left-hand radiographs were measured using the DRU classification by two examiners. Intra- and interobserver reliability analysis were performed using intraclass correlation (ICC) analysis. Results From these clinics, 161 patients (124 females and 37 males) with left-hand radiographs were included in the study. The mean age was 13.3 years (standard deviation: 1.5). There was excellent intra- (ICC: 0.93 to 0.95) and interobserver (ICC: 0.97) reliability. Conclusions The DRU classification scheme has been shown to be accurate in determining the peak growth phase and growth cessation. It has now been confirmed to be a reliable tool. Future prospective studies should be performed to investigate its application in deciding when to apply bracing or operative treatment.