[Temporomandibular disorders in juvenile patients with rheumatic diseases].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to investigate the incidence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in juvenile patients with rheumatic diseases. Furthermore, correlations between the degree of the rheumatic disease and the clinical symptoms were evaluated.


METHODS
In a prospective investigation the temporomandibular joints of 48 children with rheumatic diseases were evaluated clinically regarding clicking, crepitation, pain, duration of the rheumatic disease, and the number of affected peripheral joints. The degree of rheumatic disease was assessed with Steinbrocker's classification.


RESULTS
26 patients (54.17%) showed clinical symptoms of TMD. No significant correlation was found between the degree of the rheumatic disease and the awareness of TMD. A high number of affected peripheral joints does not lead to a significant increase of TMD. A significant correlation between the duration of the rheumatic disease and TMD could be detected. A significant correlation between the duration of the rheumatic disease and clicking or crepitation was found ( p=0.011).


CONCLUSIONS
Rheumatic diseases lead to a higher incidence of TMD in juvenile patients. A longer duration of rheumatic diseases leads to a higher incidence of TMD.
Jank
S
S
Klin. Abteilung für Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie, Universitätsklinik Innsbruck. siegfried.jank@gmx.de
Schröder
D
D
Haase
S
S
Laimer
K
K
Emshoff
R
R
Michels
H
H
Norer
B
B
Strobl
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*
Kiefergelenkbeschwerden bei juvenilen Patienten mit rheumatischen Erkrankungen.