Degenerative Joint Disease (Arthritis)

• Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the joint

• Degenerative disease of the jaw joint characterized by breakdown of articular cartilage, architectural changes in bone (bird-beaking), and degeneration of movements of the jaw.

• OA more common in adults (age 40-50) and females. RA affects adults and children, but the TMJ is among the last joints involved.

• May lead to chronic dislocation.