Observer consistency in radiographic assessment of condylar resorption

Abstract Objectives. This study evaluates interobserver and intraobserver agreement with respect to the determination of the shape and surface of the condylar head on panoramic views. Study Design. Detailed frames (n = 632) were made from preoperative and postoperative panoramic views of 158 consecutive patients, who underwent orthognathic surgery. The intraobserver and interobserver agreement were calculated by using Cohen's κ. Results. By using Cohen's κ, the intraobserver agreement was determined to be reasonable or good for surface and shape of the condyle. The interobserver agreement was mediocre or poor for surface and shape of the condyle. Conclusion. Because of the subjectivity of using panoramic views to determine the shape and surface of the condylar head, considerable interobserver disagreement is possible. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2002;93:399-403)