[The clinical x-ray variants of the osteolytic forms of rheumatoid arthritis of the temporomandibular joint].

Patients with grave forms of generalized rheumatoid arthritis characterized by high activity and fulminant course are liable to develop osteolytic variants of destructive processes. Clinical and x-ray variants of osteolysis are as follows: surface (50%), partial (38%), and complete (22%). X-ray examination showed pseudodilatation of the articular fissure and blurred and destroyed articular surfaces. Osteolysis eventuates in the development of a false joint or fibrous ankylosis.