Effect of Functional Treatment on Mandibular Asymmetric Growth

Effect of Functional Treatment on Mandibular Asymmetry Caused by Unilateral Temporomandibular Joint Involvement in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis is known to alter the mandibular development in children diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. In a number of cases a genuine breakdown of cartilage and bone is seen in the affected joint which leads to asymmetric mandibular growth in the affected side. In cases of unilateral TMJ involvements severe mandibular asymmetric mandibular growth deviations are seen. We hypothesize that these growth deviations can be minimized and controlled by the use functional orthodontic appliance therapy.

This is a retrospective study design with the aim to evaluate the clinical procedures we have used the last 15 years to treat JIA patients with unilateral TMJ arthritis. More specifically, the purpose is to evaluate the mandibular growth in all JIA patients with unilateral TMJ arthritis and an asymmetric mandibular growth pattern treated with non-surgical distraction splint therapy between 1994 and 2010 at the dep. of Orthodontics, Aarhus University, Denmark. The evaluation is based on radiological examinations at the beginning of their non-surgical distraction treatment as well as after the patients have finished their distraction-splint therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis patients diagnosed with unilateral temporomandibular joint arthritis and an asymmetric mandibular growth pattern

Exclusion Criteria:

• Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis patients diagnosed with bilateral temporomandibular joint arthritis
• Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis patients with no mandibular growth potential left.