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. 2010 Winter;24(1):7-24.

The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. I: overview and methodology for assessment of validity

Eric L Schiffman  1 , Edmond L Truelove, Richard Ohrbach, Gary C Anderson, Mike T John, Thomas List, John O Look
Affiliations

The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. I: overview and methodology for assessment of validity

Eric L Schiffman et al. J Orofac Pain. 2010 Winter.

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 > or = 0.81, except for osteoarthrosis (moderate agreement, k = 0.53). Intrasite criterion examiner agreement with reference standards was excellent (k > or = 0.95). Intersite reliability of the radiologists for detecting computed tomography-disclosed osteoarthrosis and magnetic resonance imaging-disclosed disc displacement was good to excellent (k = 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.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow chart for Participants in the Validation Project Assessing the Reliability and Validity of the RDC/TMD Axis I TMD Clinical Diagnoses.
Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow chart for Participants in the Validation Project Assessing the Reliability and Validity of the RDC/TMD Axis I TMD Clinical Diagnoses.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Diagnostic distributions of the cases relative to Group I Muscle Disorders, Group II Disc Displacements and Group III Arthralgia, Arthritis, Arthrosis.
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References

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