Temporomandibular joint disorders imaging by Ultrasonography in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Aim: The aim of this study is to show the importance and reliability of ultrasonography (US) in the diagnosis of the temporomandibular disorders in patients affected by Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Materials and Methods: 30 patients with JIA have been assessed by ultrasonographic exams. Us was performed with a 11-18 MHz linear transducer. For paediatric patients, US offers specific advantages because it is non-invasive, does not require sedation or general anesthesia (which facilitates examinations for follow-up), is quickly accessible bed side, and is easy to combine with clinical assessment (interactivity). Agitation of the patient is rarely a problem, and hence young children can be seated on a patent’s lap or play while being examined, and multiple locations can be assessed during a single session. Furthermore, modern high-frequency US transducers used by experienced US examiners can provide unsurpassed resolution of the superficial musculoskeletal structures in children. Results: Were detected morphological alterations and positions of mandibular condyles in the glenoid fossa, condylar synovitis disc displacement and joint effusion. Conclusion: Ultrasonography is a noninvasive and inexpensive diagnostic procedure that can be suggested for the evaluation of TMJ disorders, with particular accuracy in the detection of disc displacement and joint effusion. Limitations are especially related to the scarce accessibility of the medial part of the TMJ structures, and the need for trained and calibrated operators.