Diagnostic validity (sensitivity and specificity) of panoramic X-rays in osteoarthrosis of the temporomandibular joint.

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.