title: Palpation of the lateral pterygoid area in the myofascial pain diagnosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the diagnostic value of intraoral palpation at the lateral pterygoid (LP) area as part of the physical examination to detect myofascial pain, according to modified research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-four women composed the myofascial pain group, and 33 symptom-free age-matched were the control group. One examiner calibrated and blinded to group distribution performed 2 intraoral bilateral palpations of the lateral pterygoid.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The LP area palpation showed sensitivity and specificity values of 79.55% and 77.27%, respectively, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of 3.50 and 0.26, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Palpation at the LP area did not reach acceptable values of specificity, and care must be taken when judging positive response to this procedure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil. pcconti@fob.usp.br
authors.forename: Paulo César Rodrigues
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Conti
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dos Santos Silva
authors.forename: Leylha Maria Nunes
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Rossetti
authors.forename: Renato
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: De Oliveira Ferreira Da Silva
authors.forename: Accácio Lins
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Do Valle
authors.forename: Mariana
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gelmini
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010173:Palpation; D011626:Pterygoid Muscles; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*