Objective: To determine the frequency and type of lesions of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) as well as orthodontic alterations present in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).
Methods: Twenty-six patients had their TMJ evaluated clinically and by high resolution computer tomography. The patients were also submitted to orthodontic evaluation. Children with isolated malocclusion were used as a control group.
Results: Computer tomography detected TMJ alterations in 13 (50%) patients with JRA. Bilateral mild lesions were the most frequent. TMJ alterations were especially observed in young patients with JRA with the systemic and polyarticular type of onset. Worse functional class and corticosteroid therapy were also related to TMJ involvement. We observed orthodontic alterations in 18 patients with JRA (69%): midline deviation, convex facial profile. Class II molar relation, crowded lower anterior teeth, anterior open bite, and reduction in the maximum opening of the mouth. Severe TMJ lesions were correlated to cephalometric alterations, suggesting decreased mandibular growth.