Paediatric Temporomandibular Joint Septic Arthritis: A Complication of Acute Mastoiditis

Abstract

Septic Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis is an unusual complication of acute mastoiditis in children. This is a case of acute mastoiditis in a 7 years old child following an acute otitis media ear infection, which presented with ear discharge, trismus, mastoid area erythema and TMJ swelling and pain. CT scan showed opacification of mastoid temporal bone and TMJ area. Treatment included antibiotics and TMJ abscess surgical drainage. In this case report, we discuss the clinical picture, investigations, treatment and literature review for this case. Multidisciplinary approach (ENT, Paediatrics, and Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons) was mandatory to manage this unusual complication in children.