[Distal radius fractures: consistency of the classifications].

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the intra-observer and interobserver reproducibility of Frykman, AO and Universal classifications for the fractures of the distal radius.

Methods: In this study, 40 radiographs of fractures of the distal radius were selected and classifed by orthopedists of different centers and levels of experience, determining the intra-observer and interobserver reproducibility of the classifications using Kappa statistic method.

Results: The medium intra-observer concordance observed was moderate to Frykman and Universal classifications and light to the AO system. The medium interobserver reproducibility was light in the two readings to Frykman and Universal classifications and despicable in the second reading of the AO classification.

Conclusion: All the classifications used presented questionable interobserver reproducibility compromising the use of the three evaluated systems.