Interdisciplinary Management of Dentofacial Deformity in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Orthodontic and orthopedic management of dentofacial deformity from juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

An update on the knowledge regarding the orthopedic/orthodontic role in treating JIA-related dentofacial deformities is relevant.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aimed to assess the level of evidence regarding the management of dentofacial deformity from juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) with orthodontics and/or dentofacial orthopedics.

SEARCH METHODS

The following databases were searched without time or language restrictions up to 31 January 2024 (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Web of Science, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Inclusion criteria were studies dealing with JIA subjects receiving treatment with orthodontic and/or dentofacial orthopedic functional appliances.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

After the removal of duplicate studies, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment according to ROBINS-I guidelines were conducted. Data extraction was conducted by two independent authors.

RESULTS

The electronic database search identified 397 eligible articles after the removal of duplicates. Following the application of the pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 articles were left for inclusion. Two trials were associated with a severe risk of bias, four trials were at moderate risk of bias, and the other five presented a low risk of bias. Various research groups employed and documented the effects of different types of appliances and methodologies. The study heterogeneity did not allow for meta-analyses. In addition, a lack of uniformity in treatment objectives was observed across the included studies. After treatment with dentofacial orthopedics skeletal improvement was demonstrated in 10 studies, and a decrease in orofacial signs and symptoms was reported in 7 studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Across the available literature, there is minor evidence to suggest that dentofacial orthopedics may be beneficial in the management of dentofacial deformities from JIA. There is little evidence to suggest that it can reduce orofacial signs and symptoms in patients with JIA. Based on current evidence, it is not possible to outline clinical recommendations for specific aspects of orthopedic management in growing subjects with JIA-related dentofacial deformity.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (CRD42023390746).

Long-term follow-up of corrective jaw surgery including distraction osteogenesis in 32 patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Dentofacial deformity following juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement is associated with functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial impairment. Corrective surgical treatment includes combinations of orthognathic surgeries (OS). The aims of this study were to assess orofacial symptoms, functional and aesthetic status, and stability after OS including mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO). A prospective study was conducted of 32 patients with JIA of the TMJ and dentofacial deformities who underwent MDO as the only surgery or in combination with bilateral sagittal split osteotomy, Le Fort I, and/or genioplastybetween 2003 and 2018. Data from clinical examinations and cephalograms performed pre- and postoperative and at long-term (mean 4 years) were analysed. Patients experienced unchanged orofacial symptoms (all P > 0.05), short-term TMJ functional impairment (all P < 0.001), and long-term morphological improvements in SNB angle (P < 0.001), anterior facial height (P < 0.001), mandibular length (P = 0.049), overjet (P < 0.001 and P = 0.005), and posterior facial symmetry (P = 0.046). MDO as the only surgery or with secondary adjunctive OS improved dentofacial morphology in terms of mandibular advancement, anterior facial height, posterior facial symmetry, and incisal relationships without long-term deterioration in TMJ function or orofacial symptoms.

Management of temporomandibular joint arthritis in children and adolescents: An introduction for orthodontists

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common inflammatory rheumatic disease of childhood. JIA can affect any joint and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the joints most frequently involved. TMJ arthritis impacts mandibular growth and development and can result in skeletal deformity (convex profile and facial asymmetry), and malocclusion. Furthermore, when TMJs are affected, patients may present with pain at joint and masticatory muscles and dysfunction with crepitus and limited jaw movement. This review aims to describe the role of orthodontists in the management of patients with JIA and TMJ involvement. This article is an overview of evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with JIA and TMJ involvement. Screening for the orofacial manifestation of JIA is important for orthodontists to identify TMJ involvement and related dentofacial deformity. The treatment protocol of JIA with TMJ involvement requires an interdisciplinary collaboration including orthopaedic/orthodontic treatment and surgical interventions for the management of growth disturbances. Orthodontists are also involved in the management of orofacial signs and symptoms; behavioural therapy, physiotherapy and occlusal splints are the suggested treatments. Patients with TMJ arthritis require specific expertise from an interdisciplinary team with members knowledgeable in JIA care. Since disorders of mandibular growth often appear during childhood, the orthodontist could be the first clinician to see the patient and can play a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of JIA patients with TMJ involvement.

Comparison between ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of the temporomandibular joint in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this systematic review were to evaluate the correlation between Ultrasound (US) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in patients with JIA and to investigate the association with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022312734). Databases Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Web of Science, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature were searched. Eligibility criteria were patients with JIA subjected to diagnostic evaluation using US and MRI. No language restrictions were applied. After duplicate study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment according to Cochrane were conducted. Data extraction of patients was conducted by two independent authors.

RESULTS

Five observational studies were included with 217 participants (153 females and 64 males; mean age 11.3 years). The quality of the studies was overall satisfactory. The correlation between US and MRI in children with JIA was 'moderate' in acute arthritis while the chronic arthritis correlated positively in two studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Even if MRI remains the more accurate imaging modality for the detection of TMJ of patients with JIA, US may be useful to early detect pathological conditions and to address the patient with JIA and putative TMJ involvement to a more accurate diagnosis with MRI and consequent appropriate treatment management.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

MRI should be deemed necessary only secondary to less-invasive assessments with US just to confirm the diagnosis or to increase sensitivity, accuracy of positive predictive values detected.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Orthognathic Surgery in 19 Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Objectives

Dentofacial deformity following juvenile idiopathic arthritis with temporomandibular joint involvement is associated with functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial impairment. Surgical treatment may involve combinations of orthognathic surgery. The aims of this retrospective study were to assess orofacial symptoms, functional and aesthetic status, and stability after orthognathic surgery.

Material and Methods

Nineteen patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and dentofacial deformities were included. All patients were treated with combinations of bilateral sagittal split osteotomy, Le Fort I and/or genioplasty, between September 10, 2007 and October 17, 2017. Analysis of patient symptoms and clinical registrations, and frontal/lateral cephalograms was performed pre- and postoperative and long-term (mean: 3.8 and 2.6 years, respectively).

Results

Patients experienced no changes in orofacial symptoms or TMJ function, and stable normalisation of horizontal and vertical incisal relations at long-term (horizontal overbite; vertical overbite: P < 0.05). Mandibular lengthening was achieved postoperatively (from mean 79.7 to 87.2 mm; P = 0.004) and was stable. Sella-nasion to A point (SNA) and sella-nasion to B point (SNB) angles increased postoperatively (SNA, mean 79.9° to 82.8°; P = 0.022 and SNB, mean 73.9° to 77.8°; P = 0.003), however, largely reverted to preoperative status at long-term.

Conclusions

Orthognathic surgery normalized incisal relations while providing stable mandibular lengthening without long-term deterioration of temporomandibular joint function or orofacial symptoms. No long-term effect on jaw advancements was observed.

Recent Advances in Temporomandibular Joint Surgery

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) affect a high percentage of children and adults worldwide. Surgery may be indicated in severe or recalcitrant cases. Several recent advancements in TMD and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery have elevated understanding and the ability to treat affected patients. We discuss recent advances in TMD epidemiology, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) of the TMJ, and surgical techniques and technologies. Technical advancements have been identified in TMJ arthroscopy, the treatment of TMJ subluxation and dislocation, and extended prosthetic total TMJ reconstruction (eTMJR). Overall, this review provides valuable insights into significant recent advancements in TMJ disorders and their surgical management.

Management of Orofacial Manifestations of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Interdisciplinary Consensus-Based Recommendations

Involvement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is common in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). TMJ arthritis can lead to orofacial symptoms, orofacial dysfunction, and dentofacial deformity with negative impact on quality of life. Management involves interdisciplinary collaboration. No current recommendations exist to guide clinical management. We undertook this study to develop consensus-based interdisciplinary recommendations for management of orofacial manifestations of JIA, and to create a future research agenda related to management of TMJ arthritis in children with JIA. Recommendations were developed using online surveying of relevant stakeholders, systematic literature review, evidence-informed generation of recommendations during 2 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 >80% during a final Delphi study. 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 aspects related to JIA (n = 1). Additionally, a future interdisciplinary research agenda was developed. 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.

Methods improvement for diagnostics and treatment of inflammatory diseases in the temporomandibular joint

Purpose

The article subject relevance is conditioned by poor knowledge of the aetiology and pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases in this area. The purpose of this study was to identify the most rational approach to solving the issues of improving methods for treating arthritis and arthrosis.

Methods

The leading approach was the combination of the analysis results concerning the clinical examination of dental patients of various age groups with the logical construction of conclusions drawn from the research results. The paper presented the clinical examination data of patients with TMJ pathologies of various age groups and described the methods of their treatment.

Results

The results include the main effective methods identification for the diagnostics and treatment of inflammatory diseases in the temporomandibular joint and the main prospects for improving these methods in the future, with the aim of a general expansion of ideas regarding the possibilities of diagnostics and treatment of such diseases.

Conclusion

The study value lies in the possibility of using its results in practical dentistry to bring practical improvements to the currently available methods for diagnostics and treatment of inflammatory TMJ diseases.

Electromyographic Activity of Masticatory Muscles in Subjects with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Case—Control Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) on the activity of masticatory muscles using surface electromyography (sEMG). Forty-one JIA subjects (ten males, thirty-one females; average age 13 years ± 3) and thirty-two healthy control subjects (twenty-seven females, five males; average age 14 years ± 2) were recruited. sEMG of anterior temporalis (TA), masseter (MM), and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles was performed by using the occlusal contact analyzer software called Teethan (BTS S.p.A., Garbagnate Milanese, Milan, Italy). Comparisons between groups were assessed with unpaired t-tests for non-normally distributed data and with Mann–Whitney U tests for normally distributed parameters. The JIA group showed a significant increased percentage overlapping coefficient of TA (POC TA) (p = 0.01) and impact index (IMP) (p = 0.003). No significant differences were observed for the POC MM, POC SCM, percentage overlapping coefficient between posterior and anterior teeth contact (BAR), the torsion index (TORS), and the asymmetry index (ASIM). Masticatory muscles seemed to be slightly affected by JIA. sEMG could be an effective aid in the early clinical detection of TMJ involvement in JIA. Further research is needed to confirm its validity.

"Multidisciplinary management of post- infective osteoarthritis and secondary condylar resorption of temporomandibular joint: a case report in a 9 years-old female patient and a review of literature"

Background

Osteoarthritis and condylar resorption of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) has rarely been reported in children as consequence of otologic disease. We describe the management of a case in a 9-year-old female as long-term complication of an otomastoiditis and review the literature currently available on this topic.

Case presentation

A nine-years-old female patient referred to Emergency Room of Bambino Gesù Children’s Research Hospital, IRCCS (Rome,Italy) for an acute pain in the left preauricular area and reduced mandibular movements. In the medical history an otomastoiditis and periorbital cellulitis was reported at the age of six with complete remission of symptoms after antibiotic treatment. No recent history of facial trauma and no previous orthodontic treatment were reported. She was referred to a pediatric dentist that conducted a clinical examination according to the Diagnostic Criteria of Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) and was diagnosed with bilateral myalgia of the masticatory muscles and arthralgia at the level of the left TMJ. Then, a complete diagnostic path was performed that included multidisciplinary examinations by a rheumatologist, infectious disease specialist, ear nose and throat (ENT) doctor, a maxillofacial surgeon and a medical imaging specialist. Differential diagnosis included juvenile idiopathic arthritis, idiopathic condylar resorption, trauma, degenerative joint disease, neurological disease. Finally, unilateral post-infective osteoarthritis of the left TMJ with resorption of mandibular condyle was diagnosed. The patient went through a pharmacological therapy with paracetamol associated to counselling, jaw exercises and occlusal bite plate. After 1 month, the patient showed significant reduction of orofacial pain and functional recovery that was confirmed also one-year post-treatment. The novelty of this clinical case lies in the accurate description of the multidisciplinary approach with clinical examination, the differential diagnosis process and the management of TMD with conservative treatment in a growing patient.

Conclusions

Septic arthritis of temporomandibular joint and condylar resorption were described as complications of acute otitis media and/or otomastoiditis in children. We evidenced the importance of long-term follow-up in children with acute media otitis or otomastoiditis due to the onset of TMJ diseases. Furthermore, in the multidisciplinary management of orofacial pain the role of pediatric dentist is crucial for the diagnostic and therapeutic pathway to avoid serious impairment of mandibular function.

The Temporomandibular Joint in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) often have involvement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) during their disease course. Active arthritis of the TMJ remains difficult to assess. Clinical signs and symptoms alone are unreliable, and active TMJ arthritis needs confirmation by gadolinium-enhanced MRI. In recent years, changes in treatment approach have occurred. This article discusses the latest evidence on diagnosis and treatment of JIA-associated TMJ arthritis.

Initial radiological signs of dentofacial deformity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease in childhood and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is often involved. TMJ arthritis in growing individuals can cause deformation of facial skeleton (dentofacial deformity) and TMJ components (TMJ deformity). Treatment outcome hinges on early initiation of anti-inflammatory treatment and orthopaedic treatment with dental splints. The aim of the present study was to characterize the radiological signs of dentofacial deformity in patients with a JIA-induced need for orthopaedic treatment. We retrospectively studied 96 patients with JIA and 20 non-JIA controls to identify the initial radiological signs of JIA-induced dentofacial deformity leading to initiation of orthopaedic treatment. We found that initial radiological signs of dentofacial deformities were subtle and characterized by minor mandibular asymmetry and occlusal plane steepening. Radiological findings of TMJ deformity associated with initial dentofacial deformity were frequent and characterized by condylar articular surface flattening (OR 8.42), condylar subcortical cyst (OR 5.94), condylar surface erosion (OR 5.38) and condylar deviation in form (OR 25.39). Radiological signs of TMJ deformity were also documented in TMJs considered “healthy” during initial clinical and radiological examination. This study presents new knowledge of importance for early diagnosis of dentofacial deformity in JIA. Early diagnosis of dentofacial deformity is important as treatment outcome is greatly influenced by timely initiation.

Management of inflammatory temporomandibular joint collapse in children

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common pediatric rheumatologic condition.( Abramowicz et al., 2016 Jul) 2 The etiology and pathogenesis have not been fully elucidated; a combination of environmental and certain immunogenic factors is suspected. This review will provide current knowledge and concepts of diagnosis and management of children with JIA and TMJ arthritis.

Safety and Effects of the Rapid Maxillary Expander on Temporomandibular Joint in Subjects Affected by Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

In Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) temporo-mandibular joints are often affected causing skeletal and dental malocclusions. The most frequent condition is mandibular hypoplasia, that may be associated with maxillary hypoplasia. The aim of this retrospective case control study is to investigate the effects and the safety of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in growing patients affected by JIA. It was evaluated whether RME could be performed without complications on TMJs of JIA patients using DC/TMD protocol, and naso-maxillary transversal parameters were compared with the ones obtained on healthy patients.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients affected by JIA that ceased to manifest TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular Joint) symptoms in the previous year were treated with RME to solve the maxillary transverse hypoplasia. Postero-anterior cephalometric tracings were collected before and after treatment; linear measurements were obtained to study maxillary and nasal cavity modifications. Data were compared to those of a similar group of twenty-five healthy patients. Paired t-test and Independent t-test were used to evaluate changes before and after treatment in each group and to perform a comparison between the groups.

RESULTS

All patients demonstrated a statistically significant increase in nasal cavity width, maxillary width and upper and lower intermolar width. No patients presented a worsening of their TMJs condition. Intragroup comparisons revealed significant changes of cephalometric measurements, but no difference was found when comparing JIA and healthy patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Growing patients with JIA that ceased to show signs of active TMJ involvement for at least one year could be safely treated with RME, expecting similar benefits to those of healthy patients. Dentists and rheumatologists should be informed of safety and potential benefits of palatal expansion in JIA patients in order to improve the outcome of orthodontic treatment and reduce the indication for more invasive procedures (i.e., Surgical Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion).

Orthodontics in patients with significant medical co-morbidities

A wide variety of patients with medical co-morbidities may present to general orthodontic practice. It is important for the treating clinician to have a general understanding of key medical conditions that may impact upon the treatment and management options. This clinical supplement provides a treatment-focused summative update for the orthodontist regarding significant medical co-morbidities, their general prevalence and an exploration of potential impacts upon orthodontic treatment. This review also discusses the significance of key medications and provides suggestions for the safe provision of orthodontic treatment.

Comparing Clinical and Radiological Manifestations of Adolescent Idiopathic Condylar Resorption and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in the Temporomandibular Joint

PURPOSE

This cross-sectional study compared orofacial manifestations at the time of diagnosis in 2 temporomandibular joint (TMJ) conditions: adolescent idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR) and TMJ involvement from juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 19 JIAs, 19 ICRs, and 19 control patients, all treated at the Section of Orthodontics, Aarhus University Craniofacial Clinic, Denmark. From patient files, we retrieved radiological data from cone-beam computed tomographies along with information on symptoms and orofacial function at the time of diagnosis. Validated methodologies were used to evaluate TMJ and dentofacial morphology.

RESULTS

We found no statistically significant intergroup differences in severity of deformation of TMJ structures (TMJ deformity) between JIA and ICR patients. However, the ICR group showed significantly greater signs of dentofacial deformity on 4 outcome variables: mandibular inclination, posterior/anterior lower face height ratio, mandibular sagittal position, and mandibular occlusal plane inclination. Significant intergroup differences in clinical presentation were seen in 5 of 20 variables. Thus, the JIA group reported significantly more symptoms of TMJ pain, TMJ morning stiffness, and TMJ pain on palpation during the clinical examination, whereas the ICR group reported significantly more TMJ clicking during function and had a higher proportion of patients with anterior open bite.

CONCLUSIONS

Cone-beam computed tomography examination showed a similar degree of TMJ deformity in ICR and JIA patients at the time of diagnosis. ICR patients presented with a significantly higher degree of dentofacial deformity than JIA patients and healthy controls, which relates to the timing of the diagnosis. Arthralgia, TMJ morning stiffness, and TMJ palpitation pain were more common in JIA patients, whereas TMJ clicking during function and anterior open bites were more common in ICR patients.

Limited Mandibular Movements as a Consequence of Unilateral or Asymmetrical Temporomandibular Joint Involvement in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Patients

This study aimed to assess the asymmetry of the lower face and motor dysfunction of the masticatory system resulting from unilateral or asymmetrical bilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients. The study consisted of clinical examination and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of TMJs. Statistical analysis showed correlations between several factors: facial asymmetry and mandibular lateral deviation; the direction of mandibular deviation and the degree of radiological deformities in TMJs; the child's age at the time of the onset and the range of lateral movement towards the healthy or less destructed joint. In addition, there was a significant difference in ranges of lateral movements; a significantly smaller range was observed for the joint with fewer condylar abnormalities compared to the range in the opposite direction. In JIA children, among the clinical markers of unilateral or asymmetrical TMJ involvement, the asymmetry of the lower face, deviation of the mandible on opening, and an uneven range of mandibular lateral movements deserve attention. The obtained results do not show a relationship between the degree of condylar changes and the asymmetry of the lower face and the presence and degree of mandibular motor dysfunction.

Effects on the Facial Growth of Rapid Palatal Expansion in Growing Patients Affected by Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis with Monolateral Involvement of the Temporomandibular Joints: A Case-Control Study on Posteroanterior and Lateral Cephalograms

BACKGROUND

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) affecting temporomandibular joints (TMJ) in growing patients results in maxillofacial deformities, especially if only one condyle has been affected by the rheumatic disease. Mandibular hypoplasia is the most common issue and it may be associated with maxillary hypoplasia. The aim of this retrospective case-control study is to evaluate the effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in these patients.

METHODS

25 growing patients affected by maxillary hypoplasia, currently in a quiescent phase of JIA for at least one year and monolateral involvement of the TMJs, were treated with RME. Data gathered from posteroanterior and lateral cephalograms before and after 1 year from RME were compared to those of 25 non-JIA controls.

RESULTS

Nasal cavity width, maxillary width and upper and lower intermolar width statistically increased. Maxillary and mandibular symmetry indexes presented a statistically significant increase, so did the skeletal class. No signs or symptoms of TMJ activity of JIA occurred according to Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) criteria. No difference was found when comparing JIA and non-JIA patients apart from the better improvement of several mandibular symmetry indexes in the affected TMJ side of JIA patients. This event is allegedly due to a worse baseline asymmetry in JIA patients that underwent a bigger relative improvement after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that solving maxillary hypoplasia and, therefore, premature contacts are likely to have allowed mandibular repositioning and condylar growth. RME is a safe and effective solution that can substantially improve maxillary and mandibular symmetry in growing patients affected by JIA with TMJ involvement.