Chronic Septic Arthritis of the Temporomandibular Joint: A Case Report

Abstract

Septic arthritis (SA) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a rare condition that can lead to joint destruction and chronic dysfunction in cases of delayed diagnosis.

We report the case of a 75-year-old man with metabolic syndrome and a history of recurrent acute external otitis who presented with pre-auricular swelling and referred pain to the right TMJ for at least six months. Dedicated imaging of the TMJ revealed signs suggestive of advanced SA, namely erosion of the mandibular condyle secondary to osteomyelitis, peri-articular inflammatory changes and ipsilateral otomastoiditis. Following percutaneous drainage of the TMJ and intravenous antibiotic therapy, the patient then revealed a favourable clinical outcome.