Development of a CIF checklist for functional assessment of temporomandibular dysfunction

Abstract

Introduction: Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) affects health and quality of life. Although the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC) assesses the condition, it does not address disability. Thus, the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) becomes essential for the assessment of disability, requiring its brevity through specific checklists for TMD. Methods: This is a cross-sectional pilot study carried out at the University of Fortaleza in 2016, with patients aged 20 to 50 years with TMD. The checklist integrated the clinical aspects of the RDC with the ICF categories. A committee of judges, composed of dentistry, physiotherapy and speech therapy professionals familiar with the ICF, was selected by the Delphi method. Statistical analyses included the Mann-Whitney test for comparisons between groups and the Wilcoxon test for intragroup comparisons, adopting a significance level of 5%. Results: Thirty-four components of function, eight of body structure, 36 of activity and participation, and 15 of environmental aspects were selected. After expert analysis, 31, 8, 28, and 15 components remained, respectively. Nineteen patients participated, mainly women (89.5%; n = 17) with prevalence of myofascial pain according to the RDC/TMD. The instrument revealed mild to moderate impairments in body functions and difficulties in social and work activities. Environmental factors in the facilitating construct included medications and professional support, and lack of family support in the barrier construct. Conclusion: The ICF-based checklist provides detailed information on the functions and structures affected by TMD, as well as on the activities and participation interfered with and the barriers and facilitators that patients have due to their condition.