Bracing Archives

Rheumatoid Arthritis/TMJ

Dear Dr.
What are you thoughts as to treatment/surgery for the following report. Please note I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and I'am, a 39 yr. old.
R. TM Joint-There is marked Flattening and irregularity of the superior surface of the condyle. There is a moderate size anterior condyle spur. The cortical bone forming the fossa and eminance is intact. There is a slight heterogeneous signal in the sub articular aspect of the condylar head. The meniscus is anteriorly displace. On closed and open mouth views, there is very little forward condylar motion. L. TMJ -There is prominent flattening and anterior spurring formation affecting the condylar head. Low signal in the subcortical portion of the L. condylar head. The meniscus is anteriorly displaced with mouth closed and open.There is mild limitation of forward condylar motion. There is a moderate inferior joint space effusion.
Conclusion: Prominent Arthritic changes affecting the condyles and subcortical condylar bone bilatterally. Anterior displacement of the R. and L. TM joint menisci WITHOUT reductionupon moth opening. There is marked limitation of the forward condylar motion on the R. and mild limited motion on the left. L. inferior joint space effusion.

Follow Ups:

• Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis/TMJ Vivian 18:48:34 9/29/03 (0)
• Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis/TMJ (Archive in bracing.) Walt Stoll 06:40:21 9/27/03 (0)
• Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis/TMJ Happygal 20:00:22 9/26/03 (0)

In Reply to: Rheumatoid Arthritis/TMJ posted by Beth Manwaring on September 26, 2003 at 07:28:13:

Hi Beth,

Have you started working with a wellness program to reverse your arthritis and tmj conditions? This is best done before considering any kind of surgery, unless it is needed urgently. The overview of the wellness program are in the article "How to be Healthy" on this website and there are more details in the articles, archives and glossary.

Best wishes,
Happygal

In Reply to: Rheumatoid Arthritis/TMJ posted by Beth Manwaring on September 26, 2003 at 07:28:13:

Hi, Beth.

Listen to Happygal. The 3LS is critical for you now to hold the line. You may even need to extend what you do to replacing your normal bacteria in the gut and eventually do the elimination provocation diet to stop some of the autoimmiune processes of your RA.

Let us know what you learn and how you do. Without the above, in my opinion, this is as good as it gets!

Walt

In Reply to: Rheumatoid Arthritis/TMJ posted by Beth Manwaring on September 26, 2003 at 07:28:13:

Why not try energized water? I know it works on chronic fatigue and fibro so maybe it will help you too. The web site is www.energizedwater.info if you want to check it out.