The Short Form of the Fonseca Anamnestic Index for the Screening of Temporomandibular Disorders: Validity and Reliability in a Spanish-Speaking Population

Abstract

The Short Form of the Fonseca Anamnestic Index (SFAI) is a simple and quick questionnaire used for screening temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The present study aimed to validate the Spanish version of the SFAI in patients with TMDs. The study sample comprised 112 subjects (50 TMDs and 52 controls). Test–retest reliability, factorial validity, internal consistency, concurrent validity, and the SFAI’s ability to discriminate between TMDs subjects and healthy controls were analyzed using the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD protocol) as the reference. Factor analysis showed a single factor that explained 63% of the total variance. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.849. The reliability of the items measured with the Kappa index showed values from 0.767 to 0.888. Test–retest reliability was substantial (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.837). The total SFAI score showed a significant correlation with orofacial pain, vertigo, and neck disability measurements. For a cut-off point of >10 points, the SFAI showed a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 78.85% at differentiating between TMDs patients and healthy subjects, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.852. The Spanish version of the SFAI is a valid and reliable instrument for diagnosing people with TMDs and shows generally good psychometric properties.

Patient-Reported Quality of Life versus Physical Examination in Treating Temporomandibular Disorders with Intra-Articular Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections: An Open-Label Clinical Trial

“…It can therefore be carefully assumed that the design of this questionnaire allows for a balanced assessment of various TMJ disorders and does not favor any of them [ 13 , 52 , 53 ]. This is consistent with the opinions of other researchers who consider this questionnaire useful at the interview stage [ 53 , 54 , 55 ]. A detailed assessment of the convergence of answers to three out of ten questions allowed for further-reaching deliberations.…”

Psychological characteristics of young adults with temporomandibular disorders, somatization and combined conditions: A multidimensional evaluation

“…Temporomandibular disorder symptoms were established with the SFAI which consisted of two pain (TMJ and masticatory muscle pain) and three function‐related (TMJ noises, jaw opening and side‐movement difficulties) items. In addition to evaluating both TMD pain and functional disturbance, the SFAI also has good psychometric properties and high diagnostic accuracy when referenced to both the Diagnostic Criteria (DC/TMD) and Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMDs (RDC/TMD) standards 31,34,35 . A three‐point response scale was used to score the items, where ‘no’ = 0 points, ‘sometimes’ = 5 points and ‘yes’ = 10 points.…”

“…In addition to evaluating both TMD pain and functional disturbance, the SFAI also has good psychometric properties and high diagnostic accuracy when referenced to both the Diagnostic Criteria (DC/TMD) and Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMDs (RDC/TMD) standards. 31,34,35 A three-point response scale was used to score the items, where 'no' = 0 points, 'sometimes' = 5 points and 'yes' = 10 points. Somatic symptoms were ascertained with the PHQ-15 which involved the 15 most prevalent items for severe forms of somatization.…”

Review of Various Clinical Assessment Indices and Orthodontic Management for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

“…This questionnaire, which was based on the Helkimo Anamnestic Index, has a good positive correlation and reliability rating (95%) compared to the latter. Ten questions make up the exam, which categorises patients into four categories based on the severity of their symptoms: (a) without TMD, (b) mild TMD, (c) moderate TMD, and (d) severe TMD [ 7 , 8 ]. The following are some of the inquiries: 1) Is it tough for you to open your mouth wide?…”

“…10) Do you consider yourself to be an anxious (tense) person? [ 8 ]. The three possible responses to each question are "Yes" (10 points), "Sometimes" (5 points), and "No" (0 points).…”