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Measurement of sacroiliac joint dysfunction: a multicenter intertester reliability study
1Division of Physical Therapy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 27599-7135, USA. jfreburger@css.unc.edu
Physical Therapy
|January 12, 2000
Summary
Measurements of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) alignment using handheld calipers and an inclinometer proved unreliable. Therapists should explore alternative methods for evaluating SIJ dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Physical Therapy
- Biomechanical Assessment
Background:
- Previous studies indicate visual assessment of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) alignment lacks reliability.
- Accurate SIJ alignment measurement is crucial for diagnosing SIJ dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability of handheld calipers and an inclinometer for measuring SIJ alignment.
- To assess the utility of these tools in subjects with suspected SIJ dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-three subjects with suspected SIJ dysfunction were evaluated.
- Twenty-three physical therapists, working in pairs, measured innominate inclination angles.
- Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and kappa coefficient were calculated.
Main Results:
- The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.27, indicating poor reliability.
- The standard error of measurement (SEM) was 5.4 degrees.
- The kappa coefficient was 0.18, also suggesting low agreement.
Conclusions:
- Measurements of SIJ alignment using calipers and inclinometers are unreliable.
- Therapists should consider alternative diagnostic procedures for SIJ evaluation.