Temporomandibular joint involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Abstract Temporomandibular joint involvement was studied in 37 systemic lupus erythematosus patients not selected with regard to this involvement. One‐third had current complaints and two‐thirds had a history of severe symptoms. Objective findings indicating systemic lupus erythematosus arthritis were locking or dislocation, tenderness to palpation, and pain on movement of the mandible. Such changes were found in 8 patients (22%) but in none of the healthy controls. Radiographic changes of the condyles, including flattenings, erosions, osteophytes, and sclerosis, were seen in 11 patients (30%), 4 of whom had deformity of other joints as well.