The diagnostic value of high-resolution ultrasonography for the detection of anterior disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint: a meta-analysis employing the HSROC statistical model

The study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of high-resolution ultrasonography (HR-US) in the detection of anterior disc displacement (ADD) of the temporomandibular joint. Relevant trials reported in MEDLINE, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Embase were identified. A manual search was also performed. The quality of retrieved data was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) criteria. Data were extracted and cross-checked, and a statistically rigorous meta-analysis was performed using a hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic model (HSROC). The clinical utility of results was assessed using Fagan nomograms (Bayes theory). All data were evaluated using Stata software. A total 11 studies including 1096 subjects were included in the analysis; all reported the utility of FIR-US for the diagnosis of ADD with reduction (ADDWR) and without reduction (ADDWoR). For ADDWR, the weighted sensitivity and specificity were 0.83 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78-0.88) and 0.85 (95% CI 0.76-0.92) respectively. The lambda value was 3.41 (95% CI 2.37-4.46) and the Fagan nomogram pre-test probability 58%, with a positive likelihood ratio (LR) of 6.01. The positive post-test probability was 89%, with a negative LR of 0.20. The negative post-test probability was 21%. The positive increase in diagnostic utility was 31% and the negative decrement in that value 37%. For ADDWoR, the weighted sensitivity and specificity values were 0.72 (95% CI 0.59-0.81) and 0.90 (95% CI 0.86-0.93), respectively. The lambda value was 3.69 (95% CI 2.39-4.99) and the Fagan nomogram pre-test probability 38%, with a positive LR of 7.00. The positive post-test probability was 82%, with a negative LR of 0.32. The negative post-test probability was 16%. The increase in diagnostic utility was 44% and the negative decrement in that value 22%. HR-US delivers acceptable performance when used to diagnose ADD, being superior for the detection of ADD WoR than ADDWR, and exhibiting a lower negative diagnostic value in the detection of ADDWoR than ADDWR. HR-US may serve as a new method for the rapid diagnosis of ADD. The method has the advantages of simplicity and low cost. Given the uncertainty in some of the estimated values, more high-quality studies are needed to assess that diagnostic efficacy.