Temporomandibular Joint Manifestations in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic infl ammatory disease characterized by joint swelling, joint tenderness, and ravagement of synovial joints, leading to rigorous incapacitation, and premature mortality. It was fi rst described by Dr. Augustin Jacob Landr´e-Beauvais in 1800. RA aff ects about 1% population worldwide. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement is usually found along with the involvement of the joints of the hands and feet. TMJ involvement is associated with pain, infl ammation, limited joint movements, swelling, joint stiff ness, and muscle spasm. Radiological features include cortical erosion, decreased joint space, de-ossifi cation, sharpen pencil head or spiked deformity or mouthpiece of fl ute deformity of the condylar head. Clinical examination and investigations (radiographic and hematological) remain the mainstay of diagnosis. Here, we present a case of RA of TMJ along the joints of the hands and feet.