Intricate estimation and evaluation of mandibular movements in geriatric patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that usually affects joints and making them warm, painful, and swollen. The chief purpose of this study was to evaluate movements of mandible in geriatric patients suffering from RA with or without temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Materials and methods: A total of 45 people were included in this study with age of 60 years and above. Partially or completely edentulous patients were divided into experimental and control group. Experimental group consists of 20 people suffering from arthritis and control group consists of 25 people without arthritis. Movements were recorded with or without prosthesis while mastication in both experimental and control group. Results: Statistical evaluation of two studied groups showed decrease opening angle (p < 0.05) during mastication; however, insertion of new prosthesis showd a significant increase in values in both groups, with an increase in opening and closing angles. Conclusion: Positive correlation was found between arthritis and movements of the mandible in older people suffering from RA. Clinical significance: Patients suffering from RA are having restricted mandibular movements thus imposing an overall negative impact however; presence of prosthesis has been shown to enforce a positive effect on mandibular movement.