Measurement properties of patient-reported outcome measures used in third molar surgery: a COSMIN-based systematic review.

This systematic review was performed to evaluate the development and measurement properties of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used in patients undergoing third molar surgery, in accordance with the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN). The review followed the COSMIN guideline for systematic reviews of PROMs (version 2.0) and is reported in accordance with the PRISMA-COSMIN 2024 statement. A comprehensive systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, LIVIVO, Epistemonikos, and Google Scholar. Studies assessing the development or measurement properties of PROMs applied in third molar surgery were eligible. Data extraction was performed independently by two blinded reviewers. Measurement properties were evaluated using the COSMIN risk of bias checklist, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using the COSMIN-adapted GRADE approach. Due to substantial heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was performed. Of the 1008 records identified, 18 studies were included, describing 13 distinct PROMs, most of which were generic. Measurement properties were heterogeneously assessed and frequently incompletely reported. Four PROMs demonstrated very good content validity and were classified as category A. Overall, evidence remains limited, highlighting the need for careful instrument selection and further high-quality validation studies.