INTEROBSERVER VARIANCE IN DIAGNOSTIC ARTH ROSCOPY OF THE KNEE

We assessed the interindividual diagnostic variance of 39 experienced arthroscopists by the Kappa Cohen interobserver variation analysis usi ng videotapes of eight different patients with different diagnoses. Ar throscopically normal findings showed a relatively acceptable interobs erver correlation. Pathological changes, in contrast, often showed ver y little correlation, especially in the synovial membrane of the supra patellar recess, in the cartilage of the femoropatellar groove and the posterior cruciate ligament. In patellar alignment there was also gre at interobserver variation. Clinical relevance: When comparing arthros copic findings with other imaging techniques the above results should be taken into account. Furthermore, these results will affect the sign ificance of medical expertise based only on pictures. In addition, med ical cost billing, which is based on arthroscopic findings, has to tak e into account that a wrong diagnosis is possible and therefore charge s will be wrong.