Interrater reliability of face-to-face, tele- and video-based assessments with the modified Mallet classification in brachial plexus birth injuries

DELİOĞLU K., ÜNEŞ S., TUNÇDEMİR M., ÖZAL C., Bıyık K. S., ÜZÜMCÜGİL A.

Journal of Hand Surgery: European Volume, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/17531934231196118
  • Journal Name: Journal of Hand Surgery: European Volume
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, MEDLINE
  • Keywords: birth injury, Brachial plexus, evaluation, modified Mallet classification, tele-assessment
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The modified Mallet classification is widely used to measure motor function in brachial plexus birth injuries. The aim of the study was to investigate agreement and reliability of this classification under three different evaluation conditions: face-to-face; live tele-assessment; and delayed video-based assessment. A total of 100 children aged 4–15 years were included. Children were assessed by two raters except for live tele-assessment, which was performed by four raters. Agreement between the three different assessment conditions for the same rater were between strong and excellent for both raters 1 and 2. The interrater reliability for raters 1 and 2 under different assessment conditions was strong to excellent. Interrater reliability among the four raters was moderate to strong in tele-assessment. The modified Mallet classification may have appropriate reliability to be used in remote medical follow-up. Level of evidence: III