Schneidmüller, DorienDorienSchneidmüllerRöder, ChristophChristophRöderKraus, RalfRalfKrausMarzi, IngoIngoMarziKaiser, MartinMartinKaiserDietrich, Daniel J.Daniel J.Dietrichvon Laer, LutzLutzvon Laer2024-10-112024-10-112011https://boris-portal.unibe.ch/handle/20.500.12422/76502BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to develop a child-specific classification system for long bone fractures and to examine its reliability and validity on the basis of a prospective multicentre study. METHODS: Using the sequentially developed classification system, three samples of between 30 and 185 paediatric limb fractures from a pool of 2308 fractures documented in two multicenter studies were analysed in a blinded fashion by eight orthopaedic surgeons, on a total of 5 occasions. Intra- and interobserver reliability and accuracy were calculated. RESULTS: The reliability improved with successive simplification of the classification. The final version resulted in an overall interobserver agreement of κ = 0.71 with no significant difference between experienced and less experienced raters. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the evaluation of the newly proposed classification system resulted in a reliable and routinely applicable system, for which training in its proper use may further improve the reliability. It can be recommended as a useful tool for clinical practice and offers the option for developing treatment recommendations and outcome predictions in the future.en600 - Technology::610 - Medicine & healtharticle10.7892/boris.59142154893900029081320000110.1186/1471-2474-12-89