To describe characteristics of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) presenting with isolated arthritis of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ).
Patients with JIA with isolated TMJ arthritis from 4 large tertiary pediatric rheumatology centers were included. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Fifty-five patients were identified (65% bilateral presentation). Six patients developed arthritis in other joints (median time 6 mos); 4 patients developed uveitis, all prior to arthritis. At last followup, 9% were still taking antirheumatic medications.
JIA TMJ arthritis can occur in isolation, and is probably underdiagnosed. Care providers including dentists and orthodontists should be aware of this presentation.