Cross Cultural Adaptation, Reliability &Validity of The Arabic Version of 8_Item Jaw Functional Limitation Scale In Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are relatively prevalent among adults, representing a considerable health concern. These disorders negatively affect psychological well-being and overall quality of life, highlighting the importance of accurate assessment and appropriate management strategies. Consequently, there is a growing need for reliable and efficient tools to assess functional limitations associated with TMD.

The Jaw Functional Limitation Scale with 8 items (JFLS-8) is a concise, valid, and reliable instrument used for the assessment of functional limitations related to the masticatory system. It was developed as a shorter version of the JFLS-20 and has been shown to be more practical for use in busy clinical settings while maintaining strong psychometric properties. The JFLS-8 has demonstrated excellent validity and reliability and has been successfully translated and culturally adapted into several languages, confirming its effectiveness as a clinical assessment tool.

Therefore, there is a clear need to translate the JFLS-8 into an Arabic version, perform cultural adaptation, and evaluate its validity and reliability among patients with temporomandibular disorders in Arabic-speaking populations.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients aged 18 to 65 years .
• Diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders ) jaw pain-popping sounds in the jaw -limited jaw movements - orofacial pain ) for one month at least, not receiving actual treatment for the orofacial region (splinting)
• Being conscious and oriented.
• Able to read and write in Arabic.
• Both Genders were included.

Exclusion criteria

• History of trauma (recent head or neck or TMJ severe trauma)
• Recent surgery at the neck, head or TMJ
• Diagnosed systemic and psychiatric diseases; diseases that may affect the TMJ, such as ankylosing spondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis; and pregnancy