About the project
Treatment-seeking patients with temporomandibular pain and limited mouth-opening were recruited among patients from health-professionals in the region of Oslo in 2012. Thirty-five persons, aged 18–70 years, with 58 symptomatic joints or pain in surrounding area were included. The examinations were performed by two experienced manual therapist. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used as reference standard. Reliability and validity are examined for single and cluster of tests.
The project is based on, and is a continuation of Elisabeth Heggem Julsvolls work with her master thesis
Objectives
To evaluate the reliability and validity of single clinical tests and cluster of tests used to identify examine the TMD joint and especially the condition involving anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWOR).
Outcomes
- The main result is that a cluster of 7 clinical tests (5 positive) can be used to diagnose ADDWOR with an accuracy of 71%.
- The “dental stick test” was the best single test with equal sensitivity as the cluster, but with lower specificity.
- The tests require no advanced equipment, they are easy to perform and suitable for use in clinical settings.
- MRI can be sees as more of a supplement to the clinical tests than a necessity to start a clinical intervention.
Financing
Elisabeth Heggem Julsvoll has received two grants on this projects: "Formidlingsstipend fra Fysiofondet"
Start - finish
2012 -