Five recommendations are proposed for the orofacial examination of patients with JIA to improve the clinical practice and aid standardized data collection for future studies. The task force has formulated a future research program based on the proposed recommendations.

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Objective.To propose multidisciplinary, consensus-based, standardization of operational terminology and method of assessment for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).Methods.Using a sequential expert group–defined terminology and methods-of-assessment approach by (1) establishment of task force, (2) item generation, (3) working group consensus, (4) external expert content validity testing, and (5) multidisciplinary group of experts final Delphi survey consensus.Results.Seven standardized operational terms were defined: TMJ arthritis, TMJ involvement, TMJ arthritis management, dentofacial deformity, TMJ deformity, TMJ symptoms, and TMJ dysfunction.Conclusion.Definition of 7 operational standardized terms provides an optimal platform for communication across healthcare providers involved in JIA-TMJ arthritis management.

Unilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients often induces asymmetric dentofacial growth. This study evaluates the effects of an orthopaedic functional appliance worn full time to reduce asymmetric mandibular growth in JIA patients. Twenty-two JIA patients with unilateral TMJ involvement were included in the study (mean age 7.5 years, range: 3.8-13.8 years). They all received orthopaedic treatment with a functional appliance, a so-called distraction splint (mean treatment time 57 months). Panoramic tomograms or cone beam-computerized tomograms were taken before and within 12 months after treatment cessation. At both time points, the ratio between the healthy and the affected side of the mandible was evaluated in terms of inter-side differences in condylar height, ramus height, and total vertical mandibular height. Orthopaedic functional treatment reduced mandibular asymmetries in terms of ramus height and total vertical mandibular height (P < 0.05). Mandibular growth rates in the affected and the non-affected sides were comparable in most patients. Our study finds evidence to support that a distraction splint can normalize mandibular vertical growth in the affected side. We therefore suggest implementation of distraction splint therapy in the treatment of JIA patients with unilateral TMJ arthritis.