An Interactive Tutorial-Based Training Technique for Vertebral Morphometry

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to develop a computer-based procedure for training technologists in vertebral morphometry. The utility of the resulting interactive, tutorial based training method was evaluated in this study. The training program was composed of four steps: (1) review of an online tutorial, (2) review of analyzed spine images, (3) practice in fiducial point placement and (4) testing. During testing, vertebral heights were measured from digital, lateral spine images containing osteoporotic fractures. Inter-observer measurement precision was compared between research technicians, and between technologists and radiologist. The technologists participating in this study had no prior experience in vertebral morphometry. Following completion of the online training program, good inter-observer measurement precision was seen between technologists, showing mean coefficients of variation of 2.33% for anterior, 2.87% for central and 2.65% for posterior vertebral heights. Comparisons between the technicians and radiologist ranged from 2.19% to 3.18%. Slightly better precision values were seen with height measurements compared with height ratios, and with unfractured compared with fractured vertebral bodies. The findings of this study indicate that self-directed, tutorial-based training for spine image analyses is effective, resulting in good inter-observer measurement precision. The interactive tutorial-based approach provides standardized training methods and assures consistency of instructional technique over time.

Criterion validity of a computer-based tutorial for teaching waist circumference self-measurement

“…Some of the benefits of computerbased learning include: self-paced learning, the advantage of technology to educate large populations, individuals can learn at a distance, an instructor does not have to be directly involved in the learning process, provides consistency of instructional technique over time (Gardner et al, 2001).…”

The Radiology of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures Revisited

“…Thus morphometry became an entrenched approach to fracture recognition and, as a measure of its perceived importance, pedagogical programs in morphometric methodology were developed . The topic has been reviewed by Jergas and others .…”

“…Meanwhile, several constraints upon morphometric assessments have been identified including regional, ethnic, and gender‐based differences in vertebral size, heights, and ratios . Moreover, the reviews have largely been unequivocal in stressing that measurement‐based vertebral assessment for OVF diagnosis is only to be used in population studies and not in the clinical evaluation of individual patients . McCloskey and colleagues illustrated this emphasis by specifying this contention in the title of their publication.…”

“…Thus morphometry became an entrenched approach to fracture recognition and, as a measure of its perceived importance, pedagogical programs in morphometric methodology were developed. (27) The topic has been reviewed by Jergas (28) and others. (29,30) Meanwhile, several constraints upon morphometric assessments have been identified including regional, ethnic, and gender-based differences in vertebral size, heights, and ratios.…”

Radiology of Osteoporosis

“…Thus it is necessary, primarily, that the radiographs are good quality; furthermore, the vertebral morphometry should be performed by trained observers for spine image analyses, resulting in good inter-observer measurement precision (Gardner et al 2001). …”