title: Sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging and computed axiography in the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorders in a selected patient population.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to compare sensitivity differences and interpretative agreement for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed axiography (CA) tracings in a patient population group with temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
  
  
  METHODS
  A convenience sample of 173 patients (53 men, 120 women; mean age: 33.2 ± 2.6 years) diagnosed with TMD was selected for this study. Each patient underwent an evaluation as per the European Academy of Craniomandibular Disorders clinical form as well as MRI and CA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Use of the MRI results as the gold standard for the planned comparison led to the following observations: a CA sensitivity of 68% for joints without morphologic changes (so-called normal temporomandibular joints [TMJs]), sensitivity of 27% for those with disc displacement, and sensitivity of 8% for those with osteoarthritis. The kappa index, or agreement between the two examination methods, was weak for normal TMJs (0.16), acceptable for anterior disc displacement with reduction (0.28), little for anterior disc displacement without reduction (0.10), and very little for morphologic alterations (0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The sensitivity and agreement of the two examination methods was generally low. It was even worse when pathologic changes in the TMJ were more severe. MRI and CA are different examinations that could both be considered for severe TMD diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics and Gnathology-Masticatory Function, University of Turin, Turin, Italy. mariagrazia.piancino@unito.it
authors.forename: Maria Grazia
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Piancino
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cirillo
authors.forename: Gianluigi
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Frongia
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cena
authors.forename: Andrea Adriano
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Bracco
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dalmasso
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bracco
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000175:diagnosis; D003199:Computer Systems; D017271:Craniomandibular Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007574:Jaw Relation Record; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000175:diagnosis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000473:pathology; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000175:diagnosis; D010781:Photography; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D019224:Temporomandibular Joint Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis