Clinical Investigations of the Temporomandibular Joint in Children and Adolescents with Rheumatoid Arthritis

In the present report the results of clinical examinations of the masticatory organ are presented in a group of 100 children with rheumatoid arthritis treated at the Paediatric Department, Institute of Rheumatology in Warsaw during the period Oct 1969 to May 1971. Diagnostic criteria indicating damage to the musculo-articular system of the masticatory organ have been established. The value of the methods of clinical examination is stressed, particularly the value of function testing. Changes in the temporomandibular joint were found in 65% of cases. In view of the frequency of lesions of the temporomandibular joint in children with rheumatoid arthritis it is suggested that examination of this joint should be done routinely in these cases.