Rheumatoid Arthritis of TMJ – A Diagnostic Dilemma?

From Volume 31, Issue 3, April 2004 | Pages 167-174

Authors

Renuka J. Bathi

MDS

Professor and Head, S.D.M. College of Dental Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka – 580 009, India.

Articles by Renuka J. Bathi

Neeraj Taneja

MDS

Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, S.D.M. College of Dental Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka – 580 009, India.

Articles by Neeraj Taneja

Sameena Parveen

MDS

Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, S.D.M. College of Dental Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka – 580 009, India.

Articles by Sameena Parveen

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease affecting the musculo-skeletal connective tissue of the body with a strong predilection for the joints. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is commonly affected with rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children, but it is usually among the last joints to be affected. A case report is presented of a patient undergoing orthodontic treatment who developed unilateral condylar changes and whose serum was also positive for rheumatoid factor. The involvement of TMJ in several systemic disorders is a well established fact. When such disorders manifest in an atypical manner, it poses a diagnostic dilemma. This article aims to discuss various disorders causing condylar erosions.

Article