Temporomandibular Joint Fistula to External Auditory Canal: A Rare Case

Abstract

Spontaneous fistula between temporomandibular junction and external ear canal is such rare case. External ear disease commonly relate to this disease. This case report aimed to know further about patophisiology of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) fistula. case of temporomandibular fistula happened in a 63-year-old woman with 10 years symptoms of discomfort in external ear canal. The patient told that the only symptom of her disease was “bleb” sound like a bubble pop in her right ear. The patient never seeks for medical help before. During physical examination, we found fistula in her external auditory canal (EAC). After we did computed tomography scan, it confirmed that the fistula was connecting EAC with TMJ. Is there any relation between symptoms and etiology of TMJ fistulae? this case report explored the literature about TMJ fistula through Cochrane, PMC, PubMed, and Google Scholar. we found total 11 articles related to our topic. The symptoms felt by patients with TMJ fistulae to the EAC may vary. Although some of them can be such a clue of the etiology from disorder that appears, some symptoms can overlap. It is important for clinicians to know the symptoms that appear and determine the most likely etiologies that might cause the condition.