OVERVIEW
Rheumatoid temporomandibular arthritis (TMA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by synovitis, which often occurs in the age of 20 to 30 years, and is more common in women. If the disease develops in childhood, it can seriously affect the development of the jaw and requires early treatment.
Etiology
It is an autoimmune disease, and most patients have a history of cold and dampness before the onset or recurrence of the disease, and it may be secondary to infectious diseases such as paranasal sinusitis, chronic cholecystitis, tonsillitis, pharyngolaryngitis, and dental caries.
Symptoms
Localized soft tissue swelling of one or both joints, reduced joint mobility, stiffness, deep dull pain, joint area with pressure pain and joint murmur, difficulty in opening the mouth, most of the systemic rheumatoid arthritis exists at the same time, the disease course is longer, can be recurrent, and sometimes the symptoms can be relieved. When the disease does not develop, there is no pain in the joints and the jaw movement is normal.
Examination
(1) Rheumatoid factor test is positive.
(2) Laboratory tests may show increased blood sedimentation, decreased serum albumin and increased globulin.
(3) History of rheumatoid arthritis in other joints.
(4) X-ray film shows narrowing of the joint space, osteoporosis and destruction of the condylar process, and breakage of the bone surface of the joint fossa, and joint ankylosis may occur in the late stage.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis can be made on the basis of clinical manifestations, rheumatoid factor test and imaging findings.
Treatment
1. Drug treatment
Oral antipyretic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs such as POTASONE tablets, indomethacin tablets and ibuprofen extended-release capsules can also be taken orally.
2.Physical therapy
Local infrared irradiation, sodium salicylate iontophoresis, etc.
3. Surgery
For patients with ankylosis, high condylar resection or high arthroplasty can be performed when the lesion is at rest.
Prognosis
The prognosis of this disease can be improved with active treatment.
Prevention
1. Strengthen the exercise, enhance the body resistance. Regularly participate in physical exercise or productive labor, such as health care gymnastics, tai chi, radio gymnastics, walking and so on.
2. Pay attention to the combination of work and rest, activities and rest should be moderate.
3. Prevent infection and control infected lesions in the body.
4. Keep your spirit happy, and pay attention not to get too excited or mope for a long time. Be good at restraining bad moods, work actively, be open-minded, study hard, live happily, and then make the body healthy.
5. Avoid wind, moisture, cold, joints should pay attention to keep warm, do not wear wet clothes, wet shoes, wet socks. Don’t be greedy for cold in summer, the air conditioner can’t blow directly, don’t drink cold drinks, etc., and in the fall and winter seasons, we should prevent the wind and cold from attacking us, and pay attention to keep warm is the most important.