The research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders. I: Overview and methodology for assessment of validity

Eric L. Schiffman, Edmond L. Truelove, Richard Ohrbach, Gary C. Anderson, Mike T. John, Thomas List, John O. Look

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

167 Scopus citations

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) Validation Project was to assess the diagnostic validity of this examination protocol. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the project's methodology, descriptive statistics, and data for the study participant sample. This article also details the development of reliable methods to establish the reference standards for assessing criterion validity of the Axis I RDC/TMD diagnoses. Methods: The Axis I reference standards were based on the consensus of two criterion examiners independently performing a comprehensive history, clinical examination, and evaluation of imaging. Intersite reliability was assessed annually for criterion examiners and radiologists. Criterion examination reliability was also assessed within study sites. Results: Study participant demographics were comparable to those of participants in previous studies using the RDC/TMD. Diagnostic agreement of the criterion examiners with each other and with the consensus-based reference standards was excellent with all kappas ≥ 0.81, except for osteoarthrosis (moderate agreement, κ = 0.53). Intrasite criterion examiner agreement with reference standards was excellent (κ ≥ 0.95). Intersite reliability of the radiologists for detecting computed tomography-disclosed osteoarthrosis and magnetic resonance imaging-disclosed disc displacement was good to excellent (κ = 0.71 and 0.84, respectively). Conclusion: The Validation Project study population was appropriate for assessing the reliability and validity of the RDC/TMD Axis I and II. The reference standards used to assess the validity of Axis I TMD were based on reliable and clinically credible methods.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)7-24
Number of pages18
JournalJournal of Oral and Facial Pain and Headache
Volume24
Issue number1
StatePublished - 2010

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© Quintessence.

Keywords

  • Diagnostic criteria
  • Gold standard
  • Reference standard
  • Temporomandibular disorders
  • Temporomandibular muscle and joint disorders
  • Validity

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders. I: Overview and methodology for assessment of validity'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this