Affection of temporomandibular joint in rheumatic diseases

Overview

Clinical manifestations of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) affection in rheumatic diseases are represented by pain, restricted motion, and crepitus. We can often find advanced changes on radiography or on magnetic resonance images in patients who have no clinical manifestations. TMJ involvement was demonstrated in 17% of patients with osteoarthritis older than 76 years. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, 17–66 % and approximately one third of the patients had radiographic changes, respectively. Serious changes of mandible were found in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium enhancement showed the benefit for the diagnosis of early TMJ changes.

Key words:
temporomandibular joint (TMJ), osteoarthritis, arthritis