EARLY SIGNS OF BONE TISSUE RESORPTION IN THE TMJ OF PATIENTS WITH RECENT DIAGNOSIS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

摘要

Damage of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The damage often is irreversible and associated with pain, functional disability and adverse facial changes that taken together reduce the quality of life. Radiographic erosions are considered to be the first sign of bone tissue resorption and may be non-symptomatic in early RA. Early detection of such changes may be accomplished by including the TMJ in the first radio-graphic screening that may identify patients at risk for bone tissue destruction and thus be of benefit for patients with RA. A major concern, however, is the lack of knowledge regarding the early pathophysiology of RA in the TMJ limits the diagnostic possibilities and its local and specific treatment.