Rheumatoid arthritis .
- Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the connective tissue that affects several joints. Usually, small peripheral joints of hand and feet are affected first.
- Female to male ratio is approximately 3:1
- Symptoms: preauricular pain, pain on palpation and movement, swelling, joint noises (crepitus), mouth opening limitation, limited range of motion and change in occlusion.
- Radiographic features: reduced joint space and erosion of the condylar head. In advanced stages of the disease resorption of the condylar head and flattening of glenoid fossa and articular eminence can be seen. Rarely osteophyte formation may occur.
