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Objective: To establish the diagnostic validity of panoramic X-rays (PRx) in temporomandibular osteoarthrosis (OA) using the clinical and imaging criteria (magnetic resonance imaging, MRI) of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) as gold standards. Methods: Eighty-four patients with full clinical records (RDC/TMD), PRx, and MRI scans were selected. Two stomatologists evaluated the PRx for OA. The MRI findings were derived from the radiologist report. Intra/inter-examiner concordance was established. The diagnostic concordance between clinical signs and MRI was determined. Both were used as gold standards to calculate the validity of PRx in OA. Results: The diagnostic validity of PRx with MRI as gold standard was sensitivity = 69·0% and specificity = 67·9%. The diagnostic validity of PRx with clinical criteria as gold standard was sensitivity = 61·6% and specificity = 57·9%. Discussion: Panoramic X-rays have scant diagnostic validity in temporomandibular osteoarthrosis when taking MRI or clinical criteria of RDC/TMD as gold standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]