Standardizing Terminology and Assessment for Orofacial Conditions in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis : International, Multidisciplinary Consensus-based Recommendations

Objective. To propose multidisciplinary, consensus-based, standardization of operational terminology and method of assessment for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods. Using a sequential expert group–defined terminology and methods-of-assessment approach by (1) establishment of task force, (2) item generation, (3) working group consensus, (4) external expert content validity testing, and (5) multidisciplinary group of experts final Delphi survey consensus. Results. Seven standardized operational terms were defined: TMJ arthritis, TMJ involvement, TMJ arthritis management, dentofacial deformity, TMJ deformity, TMJ symptoms, and TMJ dysfunction. Conclusion. Definition of 7 operational standardized terms provides an optimal platform for communication across healthcare providers involved in JIA-TMJ arthritis management.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Temporomandibular involvement in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a 2-year prospective cohort study

Abstract This study aimed to clinically evaluate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and the ability to identify and/or predict development of TMJ-deformities over time using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The predictive value of self-reported TMJ pain was also assessed. A prospective longitudinal cohort study comprising 54 children with JIA, 39 girls and 15 boys, was performed. All children had active disease at baseline, 50% with the subtype oligoarthritis. Repeated clinical orofacial and CBCT examinations were performed over a two-year period. At baseline, 39% had radiographic TMJ deformities (24% unilateral, 15% bilateral), at 2-year follow-up, 42% (p > 0.05). Both progressing and improving TMJ deformities were observed. An association was found between TMJ-deformities and self-reported TMJ pain at baseline (p = 0.01). Maximum unassisted mouth opening (MUO) was smaller for children with TMJ-deformities (p < 0.05). The prevalence of palpatory muscle pain was high (48–59%) but not predictive of development of TMJ-deformities. TMJ noises increased over time and crepitations were associated with TMJ-deformities (p < 0.05). In conclusion, in children with JIA, self-reported TMJ pain and dysfunction were common and predictive of TMJ deformities. TMJ deformities were associated with smaller MUO and palpatory TMJ pain as well as crepitations. Trial registration. ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol id: 2010/2089-31/2

Imaging of temporomandibular joint abnormalities in juvenile idiopathic arthritis with a focus on developing a magnetic resonance imaging protocol

Inflammation and damage in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) often develop without clinical symptoms but can lead to severe facial growth abnormalities and impaired health-related quality of life, making early diagnosis of TMJ changes crucial to identify. Inflammatory and osteochondral changes detectable through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) occur in TMJs of approximately 40% of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and no other imaging modality or physical method of examination can reliably detect these changes. Therefore contrast-enhanced MRI is the diagnostic standard for diagnosis and interval monitoring of JIA. However the specific usage of MRI for TMJ arthritis is not standardized at present. There is a recognized need for a consensus effort toward standardization of an imaging protocol with required and optional sequences to improve detection of pathological changes and shorten study time. Such a consensus imaging protocol is important for providing maximum information with minimally necessary sequences in a way that allows inter-site comparison of results of clinical trials and improved clinical management. In this paper we describe the challenges of TMJ imaging and present expert-panel consensus suggestions for a standardized TMJ MRI protocol

Management of orofacial manifestations of juvenile idiopathic arthritis : Interdisciplinary consensus-based recommendations.

OBJECTIVES: Involvement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is common in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). TMJ arthritis can lead to orofacial symptoms, dysfunction and dentofacial deformity with negative impact on quality of life. Management involves interdisciplinary collaboration. No current recommendations exist to guide clinical management. OBJECTIVES: 1) To develop consensus-based interdisciplinary recommendations for management of orofacial manifestations of JIA. 2) To create a future research agenda related to management of TMJ arthritis in children with JIA. METHODS: The recommendations were developed using online surveying of relevant stakeholders, systematic literature review, evidence-informed generation of recommendations during two consensus-meetings, and Delphi study iterations involving external experts. The process included disciplines involved in the care of orofacial manifestations of JIA: Pediatric rheumatology, radiology, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orofacial pain specialists and pediatric dentistry. Recommendations were accepted if agreement was &gt;80% during a final Delphi study. RESULTS: Three overarching management principles and 12 recommendations for interdisciplinary management of orofacial manifestations of JIA were outlined. The 12 recommendations pertained to: diagnosis (n=4), treatment of TMJ arthritis (active TMJ inflammation) (n=2), treatment of TMJ dysfunction and symptoms (n=3), treatment of arthritis-related dentofacial deformity (n=2), and other related aspects to JIA (n=1). Additionally, a future interdisciplinary research agenda was developed. CONCLUSIONS: These are the first interdisciplinary recommendations to guide clinical management of TMJ JIA. The 3 overarching principles and 12 recommendations fill an important gap in current clinical practice. They emphasize the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to diagnosis and management of orofacial manifestations of JIA. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved