Evaluation of the reproducibility in the interpretation of magnetic resonance images of the temporomandibular joint

Objectives: The aim was to determine the intra- and interexaminer reproducibility in the interpretation of MRI of the temporomandibular joint among independent observers, with respect to six specific articular characteristics, and to discover which of these had greater and lesser agreement. Methods: 30 magnetic resonance examinations of temporomandibular joints of adults were independently interpreted by 9 experienced and trained observers at 2 different times. Observers were divided into three groups according to their specialties: surgeon dentists specialized in temporomandibular dysfunction and orofacial pain, surgeon dentists specialized in radiology and medical doctors specialized in radiology. The reproducibility analysis was carried out using Cohen's kappa coefficient. Results: The interexaminer reproducibility ranged from slight to fair. The intraexaminer reproducibility ranged from slight to no agreement. In the interexaminer evaluation, anterior disc displacement without reduction presented greater agreement, whereas change in condylar head shape showed the poorest agreement. In the intraexaminer evaluation, anterior disc displacement without reduction presented slight agreement, whereas, for the other characteristics, no agreement was observed. Conclusion: Examiners do not demonstrate reproducibility in the interpretation of MRI of temporomandibular joints. Therefore, more efforts are necessary with respect to understanding the changes that may be detected in these images in terms of diagnosis and appropriate treatment approaches. Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (2010) 39, 157-161. doi: 10.1259/dmfr/16076453