Transcultural Adaptation and Validation of the Fonseca Anamnestic Index in a Spanish Population with Temporomandibular Disorders.

BACKGROUND

The Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI) offers a simple method to screen temporomandibular disorders (TMD). This study aimed to validate the Spanish version of the FAI in patients with TMD.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 125 subjects (66 TMD and 59 controls) aged over 18 years. Construct validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, concurrent validity and capacity to discriminate between TMD and healthy subjects were analyzed.

RESULTS

The Spanish version of the FAI showed a structure formed by three factors. Cronbach's alpha was 0.826. The reliability of the items varied between substantial to almost perfect and was excellent for the total score (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.937). The standard error of measurement (SEM) was 6.52, with a minimum detectable change (MDC) of 12.78. FAI score showed a significant correlation with headache, neck pain and vertigo measurements. A cut-off point >35 showed a sensitivity = 83.33% and a specificity = 77.97% in differentiating between healthy and TMD patients, with an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.865.

CONCLUSIONS

The Spanish version of the FAI is a valid and reliable instrument for diagnosing people with TMD, with appropriate general clinimetric properties. Discrimination between patients with and without TMD is excellent.