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Psoriatic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint – a surgical alternative to treating a medical problem
Author(s) -
Popat R.,
Matthews N.S.,
Connor S.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
oral surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.156
H-Index - 11
eISSN - 1752-248X
pISSN - 1752-2471
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-248x.2010.01080.x
Subject(s) - medicine , temporomandibular joint , psoriatic arthritis , arthritis , quality of life (healthcare) , condyle , etanercept , refractory (planetary science) , surgery , dentistry , rheumatoid arthritis , physics , nursing , astrobiology
We describe the case of a 43‐year‐old female who suffered pain and profound functional impairment in both tempormandibular joints (TMJ), secondary to psoriatic arthritis. The inability to eat and talk without severe pain had rendered the patient unable to seek employment and with a poor quality of life. Her symptoms had proved refractory to anti‐TNF medication (Etanercept) and other treatments such as hydrocortisone injections and bilateral TMJ condylar shaves. The patient underwent bilateral total temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacements in May 2008. Her recovery was uneventful and she is now pain‐free and has a vastly improved quality of life. This case gives an overview of psoriatic arthritis, especially as it affects the TMJ and highlights the benefits of total TMJ replacement. We recommend that consideration should be given to its use as a surgical alternative in cases which prove refractory to medical management.