Validation of a modified Clavien-Dindo Classification for postoperative complications in orthopedic surgery

Postoperative complications (PCs) constitute any deviation from the normal postoperative course. Reporting of PCs remains a challenge, multiple classification systems have been proposed, however these have not been validated across surgical specialties. Clavien and Dindo (DCCS) developed a system for General Surgery and has been adopted in different fields. Nonetheless, this classification has not been adapted to Orthopedics. The objective of this study was to adapt the Clavien-Dindo classification to orthopedic scenarios and to determine the intra and interobserver reliability.

The designer team adapted the Clavien Dindo classification to orthopedic scenarios. Ten orthopedic observers with different degrees of training and experience were selected to evaluate the classification. 48 simulated clinical scenarios of complications and another negative outcomes such as failure to cure and sequelae were sent by electronic format independently. A second round of scoring was performed 30 days later to assess the intraobserver concordance.

We found a high interobserver and intraobserver reliability for both the first and second evaluation (Kappa 0.88 and 0.91, respectively). In addition, the intraobserver analysis showed a very good correlation (Kappa 0.93).

The DCCS classification has been developed for general surgery and has been widely applied in the different surgical subspecialties. In Orthopedics, this classification was validated to hip and pediatric surgery. Therefore, our study involved an adaptation of the classification to general and specific orthopedic scenarios of the different orthopedic subspecialties. This classification may be a useful tool for documenting complications in orthopedic surgery.