Pain, tenderness, and limitation of motion occur. Occasionally, patients complain of stiffness, grating, or mild pain. Crepitation results from a hole worn through the disk, causing bone grating on bone to be heard and felt. Joint involvement is generally bilateral. X-rays may show flattening and lipping of the condyle.
Treatment is symptomatic.
Pain, swelling, and limited movement are the most common findings. In children, destruction of the condyle results in mandibular growth disturbance and facial deformity. Ankylosis may follow. The diagnosis is suggested by TMJ inflammation associated with polyarthritis and is confirmed by laboratory findings. Treatment is similar to that of RA in other joints.