Psychometric properties of temporomandibular disorder-specific patient-reported outcome measures: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) serve as critical tools for quantifying patient's subjective experience. The aim of this study was to systematically identify and synthesize the psychometric properties of TMD-specific PROMs.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted until September 15, 2025. Studies reporting on the development, validation, or cross-cultural adaptation of TMD-specific PROMs were included. Data on psychometric properties were narratively synthesized.

RESULTS

The review of 91 studies yielded 43 PROMs. The Fonseca Anamnestic Index was the most extensively validated screening tool. Jaw Functional Limitation Scale, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, and the Oral Health Impact Profile for TMD demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach's α often >0.85-0.95) and cross-cultural validity. Test-retest reliability was strong for most tools (ICCs commonly >0.80), and convergent validity showed moderate-to-strong correlations with established measures.

CONCLUSION

Numerous validated PROMs for TMDs are available, however future work should focus on developing integrated tools with extensive validation.