JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS MASQUERADING AS TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DYSFUNCTION: A CASE REPORT OF BILATERAL CONDYLAR EROSION WITH ELY'S CYST

Abstract

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatologic disease of childhood, and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — often referred to as the "forgotten joint" is frequently involved, sometimes as the presenting site of disease. The disease is characterized by chronic synovitis, arthralgia, impaired joint mobility in at least one joint and erosion with destruction of subchondral bone and cartilage. Systemic involvement may or may not be associated with every subtype of the disease. This case highlights the importance of considering Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis as a differential diagnosis in TMJ pain and dysfunction.