Diagnostic Properties of RDC/TMD Criteria for TMJ Internal
Derangement versus MRI Gold Standard
Objective: To correlate the clinical RDC/TMD findings with
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a diagnostic aid in the internal
derangement of TMJ.
Methods: The present study consists of a total sample size of
14 subjects clinically diagnosed with the internal derangement of TMJ.
According to the set criteria by Research Diagnostic Criteria for
Temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD), the subjects were subjected to
MRI after a thorough evaluation. The diagnostic findings were compared
with MRI. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using the
specificity, sensitivity, and kappa coefficient.
Results: Twenty-five percent of sensitivity and fifty-seven
percent of specificity were observed for RDC/TMD diagnosis regarding MRI
in the total sample. Kappa value was found to be in the moderate range.
Conclusion: The clinical findings based on RDC/TMD alone were
not sufficient for the diagnosis of TMJ, and MRI’s internal derangement
still a “golden standard” among the other modalities.
KEYWORDS: Internal Derangement of TMJ; MRI; RDC/TMD.
What is already Known?
Internal Derangement of Temporomandibular joint is a recurrent problem
in the pre-auricular region. Often misdiagnosed and leads to
mistreatment. Contemporary literature shows that Research Diagnostic
criteria of Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) are commonly used
among the physicians for the diagnosis of the same problem.
What’s New?
The results of this study suggest that RDC/TMD criteria for internal
derangement alone are not sufficient, and it may be supplemented by the
use of MRI so that a proper treatment protocol can be generated for the
patient.