Palpation of the lateral pterygoid area in the myofascial pain diagnosis.
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.
Conti
Paulo César Rodrigues
PC
Department of Prosthodontics, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil. pcconti@fob.usp.br
Dos Santos Silva
Rafael
R
Rossetti
Leylha Maria Nunes
LM
De Oliveira Ferreira Da Silva
Renato
R
Do Valle
Accácio Lins
AL
Gelmini
Mariana
M
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*