The relationship between the temporomandibular joint radiographic changes and the duration of rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease affecting many body joint. In the later stage of RA it affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The extent of TMJ association is by all accounts correlated with the seriousness of RA. There is a contentions with respect to the correlation between the duration of RA and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. The aim of this study was to determine if there is a relation between the RA duration and the radiographic finding in the TMJ. Patients and methods A total of 36 patients range in age between 45 and 55 years, were divided into three groups, group 1: 12 patients with RA for at least 10 years and are on a regular treatment and follow-up, group 2: 12 patients with RA recently discovered and less than 5 years diseased, group 3: 12 normal patients (control group) and the radiographic bony changes are recorded in each group as well as the space between the condyle and the glenoid fossa. Results In group 1 and group 2 all the cases have at least one of the bone involvement, while in the control group only 50% of the cases complaining from at least one of the bone involvement which is mainly condyle erosion. Regarding the space between the condyle and the glenoid fossa in group 1 show more reduced space than the other groups, followed by group 2. Conclusion The present study revealed the RA duration increase damaging effect on the condyle and articular eminence even if the patient is under treatment. The RA also leads to anterior displacement of the condyle and this percentage increase with the RA duration.