Long-term follow-up of craniofacial alterations in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

M. Twilt, A.J.M. Schulten, B. Prahl-Andersen, L.W.A. van Suijlekom-Smit

    Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    Objective: To investigate changes in the craniofacial skeleton in relation to the changes in condylar alterations that occur during long-term follow-up in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
    Materials and Methods: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement is defined as a condylar alteration that is observed on the orthopantomogram. Lateral cephalograms were used to determine linear and angular measurements.
    Results: Seventy of 97 patients from the initial study cohort were included, with a mean follow-up of 68 months. The overall prevalence of condylar alterations and posterior rotation of the mandible decreased; however, the prevalence of retrognathia remained the same. Patients showed improvement in the degree of retrognathia and posterior rotation (40% ANB, 51% OP-SN, and 44% GO-GN-SN). Improvement in the degree of retrognathia was seen more often in patients with improved condylar alterations than in patients with persistent alterations and in those without alterations (50%, 33%, and 28%, respectively). The degree of posterior rotation improved almost equally in patients without TMJ involvement and in patients with improved condylar alterations (57% and 50% by OP-SN, and 67% and 38% GO-GN-SN, respectively) and did not improve in patients with stable persistent alterations.
    Conclusion: Both condylar and craniofacial alterations can improve in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
    Original languageUndefined/Unknown
    Pages (from-to)1057-1062
    JournalThe Angle Orthodontist
    Volume79
    Issue number6
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2009

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