Reactive arthritis of the temporomandibular joints and cervical spine in a child
2007

Reactive Arthritis in a Child's Jaw and Neck

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Bita Arabshahi, Kevin M Baskin, Randy Q Cron

Primary Institution: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA

Hypothesis

Can reactive arthritis occur in the temporomandibular joints and cervical spine of children?

Conclusion

This report represents the first pediatric case of reactive arthritis isolated to the cervical spine and TMJs.

Supporting Evidence

  • Reactive TMJ arthritis has been previously reported in adults but not in children.
  • Joint effusions were detected via MRI in the TMJs and cervical spine.
  • The child's symptoms improved significantly after treatment.

Takeaway

A 6-year-old boy had swelling in his jaw and neck due to reactive arthritis, which got better after treatment.

Methodology

Case report detailing the clinical presentation, MRI findings, and treatment of a child with reactive arthritis.

Limitations

The case is based on a single patient, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

6-year-old Native American boy.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1546-0096-5-4

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