Intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the Copeland-Levy classification for arthroscopic evaluation of subacromial impingement

Ehud Atoun*, Ron Gilat, Alexander van Tongel, Riten Pradhan, Ornit Cohen, Ehud Rath, Ofer Levy

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background Defining a simple and reliable classification for acromial and bursal impingement lesions is necessary to standardize terminology, to improve communication, and to allow better evaluation of the proper treatment of impingement lesions and rotator cuff tears. The purpose of this study was to assess orthopedic surgeons' intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the Copeland-Levy classification. Methods Six fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons reviewed shoulder arthroscopy videos of 69 consecutive patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy for rotator cuff tear repair or subacromial decompression. The surgeons were asked to classify impingement lesions according to the Copeland-Levy classification. One month afterward, the surgeons were requested to repeat the evaluation of the same impingement lesions. Intraobserver reliability was calculated using Cohen's weighted κ. Interobserver reliability was calculated using Kendall's W. Results Overall intraobserver reliability for acromial and bursal lesions was κ = 0.86 (95% confidence interval, 0.82-0.9) and κ = 0.97 (95% confidence interval, 0.95-0.98), respectively. Interobserver reliability for acromial and bursal lesions was W = 0.87 and W = 0.92, respectively. Conclusion Intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the Copeland-Levy classification among senior orthopedic surgeons is excellent. Hence, we suggest the Copeland-Levy classification be used to standardize terminology of the subacromial impingement lesion.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2167-2172
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
Volume26
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Copeland-Levy classification
  • Impingement syndrome
  • acromioplasty
  • arthroscopy
  • impingement lesion
  • rotator cuff tear
  • subacromial decompression

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