Magnetic resonance imaging of temporomandibular joints in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered essential for diagnosing early involvement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Assessment of the soft tissue joint components and contrast enhancement allows diagnosing and grading the severity of TMJ arthritis. An MRI grading system for synovial inflammation and deformity of the TMJ in children with JIA is proposed. Normal and arthritic MRI findings are illustrated.