Radiographic abnormalities of the temporomandibular joint in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Radiographic lesion of the temporomandibular joint was found in 41 of 100 children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis using a combination of radiographic techniques. In patients with abnormality, unilateral lesion occurred in 41 per cent. In patients with definite affection, a varying degree of destructions was observed in 93 per cent, restricted translatory movement of the mandibular head in 83 per cent. In many cases dystrophic or dysplasia-like changes occurred, with stump and thick, anteriorly positioned mandibular head and flat fossa. The lesions seemed to be most frequently associated with the polyarticular type, early onset and long duration of the disease.