Rheumatoid Arthritis with singular localization in the temporomandibular joint.

A fifty seven years old woman came to the maxillofacial clinic reporting pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with automatic onset, as well as during mastication, and morning stiffness. The patient had an anterior open bite, while she wore poorly manufactured partial dentures in the maxilla and mandible. The computed tomography findings were concurrent with rheumatoid arthritis of the TMJ. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants were administered that temporarily relieved the symptoms and an intra articular corticosteroid injection was required. Following this, the partial dentures were replaced and a stabilization splint was placed in order to equally distribute the loads on the joints. The splint was used during sleep and for 2 daytime hours. The patient reported significant relief.