We report a case of rheumatoid arthritis of the temporomandibular joint associated with regression of the mandible and anterior open bite. The patient was treated successfully by orthognathic surgery.
Case: A 46-year-old woman had chronic rheumatoid arthritis since 1989. The patient visited our hospital in 1994 because of pain in the left temporomandibular joint. Magnetic resonance imaging showed anterior disc displacement without reduction, and arthroscopic lysis and lavage were performed. In 1999, the patient unexpectedly had mandibular condylar destruction accompanied by resorption, with an anterior open bite. In 2001, surgical-orthodontic correction by sagittal split osteotomy and orthodontic treatment were performed. At present, 3 years after orthognathic surgery, the patient's occlusion is stable, with no recurrence of mandibular condylar destruction or resorption.
