Temporomandibular joint involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus.

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.