Observer variation in the clinical diagnosis of mandibular pain dysfunction syndrome

In preparation for a survey to investigate the prevalence of mandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (MDS) in a non-hospital group of individuals, the measure of agreement obtained by two observers when recording signs and symptoms of MDS in the same subjects was investigated. The criteria used for this purpose are defined. Two groups of subjects, 50 MDS patients and 50 individuals not complaining of the condition, were examined independently. Considerably more agreement between the two observers was reached with regard to patients than contrast subjects. Both observers showed more agreement in assessment during the opening movement of the mandible. It was suggested, therefore, that in order to reduce the observer error inevitably present during a survey, the signs and symptoms which manifest themselves during the opening movement of the mandible should be used to diagnose MDS rather than a more elaborate time-consuming technique.