Mandibular osteotomies in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritic disease.
OBJECTIVE
This retrospective study evaluates the results after orthognathic surgery in a group of patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.


METHODS
The material comprised sixteen patients where genioplasty with or without bilateral sagittal split (BSSO) had been performed during a 10-year period between 1991 and 2000. The patients were recalled for follow-up examination and the clinical records and radiographs of the patients were analysed.


RESULTS
All patients reported an improved facial esthetics. Sixty-two% reported altered neurosensory dysfunction in the inferior alveolar nerve, but no patients reported altered feelings to interfere with function. Two patients reported reduction in pain in the TMJ from a score 10 and 7 in the VAS-scale preoperatively, to 0 after the orthognathic surgery. Eight of the patients reported this to be less uncomfortable compared to other surgical procedures because of their JRA. Ninety-four% noted a positive social change after the operation.


CONCLUSIONS
Orthognathic surgical treatment of the JRA patient improves the facial profile. The described procedures are safe and serious complications were not seen in our study.
Oye
F
F
Department of Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine, Dental Faculty, University of Oslo, Blindern, Oslo, Norway.
Bjørnland
T
T
Støre
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008442:Maxillary Nerve / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods*; D010146:Pain; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012919:Social Behavior; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome