Intra- and interreader variability of orbital volume quantification using 3D computed tomography for reconstructed...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Radiology
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Orbital fractures present management challenges, particularly in predicting late complications.
• Radiographic assessment offers detailed evaluation but lacks consistent standardization for clinical decision-making.
• Reliability of post-operative imaging in orbital fracture management requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reliability of three-dimensional (3D) volume assessment for orbital fractures.
• To determine intra- and inter-reader variability in orbital volume calculations.
• To assess the impact of reconstruction materials on imaging reliability.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of patients with unilateral orbital floor fractures undergoing surgery.
• Utilized 3D volume assessment software for orbital volume calculation.
• Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis for intra- and inter-reader variability.

Main Results:

• Mean orbital volume was consistent between two readers (24.02 cm³ vs. 24.08 cm³).
• High ICC values (0.95 inter-reader, 0.96 intra-reader) indicate excellent agreement.
• Reconstruction materials did not significantly increase variability in volume assessment.

Conclusions:

• 3D orbital volume assessment demonstrates high reproducibility and reliability.
• Radiological volume assessment, while reliable, does not yet correlate clearly with clinical outcomes.
• Clinical findings should remain the primary basis for post-operative management decisions in orbital fractures.