Ilhan OZKAN, Emre CULLU, Cem TURELI, Can KARAMAN, Faruk SENDUR, Bulent ALPARSLAN

Keywords: Singh Index, Osteoporosis, Kappa Statistics

Abstract

Introduction: Singh index has been used as a measure of osteoporosis but the value of this method is controversial. In an attempt to evaluate its reliability in osteoporosis we planed an interobserver and intraobserver study. Materials and
Methods: The trabecular pattern of proximal femur was evaluated in 106 antero-posterior hip radiographies according to Singh index by four observers at two different times. Cappa statisticis was used to assess the interobserver and intraobserver difference.
Results: In interobserver and intraobserver results kappa values were ranged from 0.013 to 0.332 (mean 0.106), and from 0.126 to 0.335 (mean 0.230) respectively.
Discussion: Interobserver and intraobserver agreement showed an unacceptable level of kappa values as these values are below than 0.6. Our data suggest that Singh Index in assessment the grade of osteoporosis is very low.