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Published on: August 22, 2022
SCREENING INSTRUMENTS FOR TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Axel Kutschke1, Oliver Schierz2, Anna Lövgren3
1Department of Orofacial Pain and Jaw Function, Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden; Department of Orofacial Pain and Jaw Function, Gävle County Hospital, Public Dental Health County Council of Gävleborg, Gävle, Sweden; Centre for Research and Development, Uppsala University/Region Gävleborg, Gävle, Sweden.
Screening tools like the Fonseca Amnestic Index (FAI) and its short form (SFAI) effectively identify temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). These validated instruments show high accuracy for early TMD detection in the general population.
Area of Science:
- Oral Medicine
- Diagnostic Accuracy Studies
- Public Health Screening
Background:
- Effective screening for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is vital for early intervention.
- Numerous TMD screening instruments exist, complicating clinical selection.
- Identifying reliable tools for general population screening is a clinical challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of available screening instruments for TMDs.
- To identify the most suitable screening tools for identifying TMDs in the general adult population.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive search of PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus was conducted.
- Risk of bias was assessed using QUADAS-2, with data extraction by two independent reviewers.
- Five studies involving 2556 participants were included in the meta-analysis.
Main Results:
- The Fonseca Amnestic Index (FAI), Short Form Fonseca Amnestic Index (SFAI), and Three Screening Questions for TMDs (3Q/TMD) were evaluated.
- Sensitivity ranged from 81% (3Q/TMD) to 86% (FAI/SFAI).
- Specificity ranged from 79% (3Q/TMD) to 96% (SFAI).
Conclusions:
- FAI, SFAI, and 3Q/TMD exhibit high sensitivity and specificity.
- These instruments are suitable for screening individuals with TMDs in the general population.
- The findings support the use of these tools for early TMD detection.

