Corine M Visscher1, Frank Lobbezoo, Machiel Naeije. 1. Department of Oral Function, Academic Centre for Dentistry, Amsterdam (ACTA), Louwesweg 1, 1066 EA Amsterdam, The Netherlands. c.visscher@acta.nl
Abstract
AIMS: To determine the construct validity of algometry and to compare it with that of palpation, and to compare tenderness of masticatory muscle sites and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) on palpation and on algometry. METHODS: Two hundred fifty subjects, 148 with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain complaints, underwent a standardized blinded physical examination that included pain-intensity measures on palpation and pressure pain threshold measures on algometry of masseter muscle sites, temporalis muscle sites, and the TMJ. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis indicated that the recognition of TMD pain complaints based on pressure algometry was comparable to that of palpation (R2 = 0.22 and R2 = 0.21, respectively). The masseter muscles were most tender to palpation and algometry, followed by the TMJs and the temporalis muscles. CONCLUSION: Construct validity of algometry in the recognition of TMD pain complaints is comparable to that of palpation, and differences in tenderness on palpation and on algometry are found between masticatory muscle sites and the TMJ.
AIMS: To determine the construct validity of algometry and to compare it with that of palpation, and to compare tenderness of masticatory muscle sites and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) on palpation and on algometry. METHODS: Two hundred fifty subjects, 148 with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain complaints, underwent a standardized blinded physical examination that included pain-intensity measures on palpation and pressure pain threshold measures on algometry of masseter muscle sites, temporalis muscle sites, and the TMJ. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis indicated that the recognition of TMD pain complaints based on pressure algometry was comparable to that of palpation (R2 = 0.22 and R2 = 0.21, respectively). The masseter muscles were most tender to palpation and algometry, followed by the TMJs and the temporalis muscles. CONCLUSION: Construct validity of algometry in the recognition of TMD pain complaints is comparable to that of palpation, and differences in tenderness on palpation and on algometry are found between masticatory muscle sites and the TMJ.
Authors: Paulo César Rodrigues Conti; Rafael dos Santos Silva; Carlos dos Reis Pereira de Araujo; Leylha Maria N Rosseti; Shigueharu Yassuda; Renato Oliveira Ferreira da Silva; Luiz Fernando Pegoraro Journal: J Appl Oral Sci Date: 2011 Jan-Feb Impact factor: 2.698