SEPTIC ARTHRITIS OF THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT. REPORT OF ONE CASE
Artritis Infecciosa de la Articulación Temporomandibular consecutivo a Otitis Necrotizante: Reporte de un caso
Author
Pintor, Fernanda; Hospital San Juan de Dios
Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile
Carrasco, Rolando; Universidad de Chile
Verdugo-Avello, Francisco
Landaeta, Mirtha; Hospital San Juan de Dios
Abstract
Septic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an uncommon condition, caused by hematic bacterial migration or direct migration of other head and neck infections. We report a 41 year old female who presented a right temporomandibular joint involvement, with bone destruction of the mandibular condyle and an infectious process spreading to the temporal space, following a necrotizing medial and external otitis with associated mastoiditis. A septic arthritis of the TMJ by continuity was diagnosed and treated with antimicrobials, TMJ arthrocentesis and occlusal stabilization, with a positive evolution. However, the patient remains in control due a secondary TMJ osteoarthritis caused by the septic arthritis. Septic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an uncommon condition, caused by hematic bacterial migration or direct migration of other head and neck infections. We report a 41 year old female who presented a right temporomandibular joint involvement, with bone destruction of the mandibular condyle and an infectious process spreading to the temporal space, following a necrotizing medial and external otitis with associated mastoiditis. A septic arthritis of the TMJ by continuity was diagnosed and treated with antimicrobials, TMJ arthrocentesis and occlusal stabilization, with a positive evolution. However, the patient remains in control due a secondary TMJ osteoarthritis caused by the septic arthritis.