Comparison of algometry and palpation in the recognition of temporomandibular disorder pain complaints.
OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Visscher
Corine M
CM
Department of Oral Function, Academic Centre for Dentistry, Amsterdam (ACTA), Louwesweg 1, 1066 EA Amsterdam, The Netherlands. c.visscher@acta.nl
Lobbezoo
Frank
F
Naeije
Machiel
M
D000328:Adult; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008406:Masseter Muscle / Q000503:physiopathology; D008487:Medical History Taking; D015588:Observer Variation; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017288:Pain Threshold / Q000502:physiology*; D010173:Palpation; D010808:Physical Examination; D011312:Pressure; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013703:Temporal Muscle / Q000503:physiopathology; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*