Rheumatoid disease and related arthropathies. I. Systemic findings, medical therapy, and peripheral joint surgery

Rheumatoid arthritis and related arthropathies may produce a wide, confusing range of problems affecting the temporomandibular joint and ultimately the lower face. In order to understand the evolution of therapy for TMJ and facial problems, a general update of overall disease characteristics, current medical therapy, and peripheral joint surgery is presented. This background is integrated into a rationale for treatment of rheumatoid problems affecting the mandible.