Abstract
Purpose: This study evaluated the objective and subjective changes in a group of rheumatoid arthritic (RA) patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) complaints who were subjected to joint lysis and lavage. Patients and Methods: Twelve females with previous documented RA underwent baseline assessment with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, physical examination of TMJ function, and a visual analog pain scale (VAPS). The VAPS and jaw function changes were recorded at 2-week intervals for 6 weeks after lysis and lavage under local anesthesia in an ambulatory setting. Results: All patients showed statistically significant post-treatment improvement in their pain, and function was enhanced. Conclusion: TMJ arthrocentisis is a useful adjunct in the short-term management of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 537-540 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
| Volume | 57 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - May 1999 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Oral Surgery
- Otorhinolaryngology