Temporomandibular joint arthritis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: prevalence, clinical and radiological signs, and relation to dentofacial morphology.

Abstract

Our data show that TMJ condylar damage occurs very frequently in JIA, and irrespective of JIA subtype; condylar lesions can present early, progress insidiously, and -- even at a minimal degree -- can severely alter the craniofacial profile. We propose that the followup of patients with JIA should include early and regular evaluation by an orthodontist, supplemented with radiographic TMJ imaging.