Tuberculous arthritis of the temporomandibular joint caused by Mycobacterium bovis. A diagnostic conundrum

Abstract

Infrequent variants of extrapulmonary tuberculosis pose a challenging public health problem because of the delay in their diagnosis and treatment. Joint involvement is usually encountered in major joints (hip, elbow, knee, and ankle). Tuberculous involvement of the temporomandibular joint is extremely uncommon but must be considered in patients with pain, inflammation or joint stiffness not resolved with conventional treatment.

Resumen

Las variantes infrecuentes de tuberculosis extrapulmonar son un reto de salud pública por abocar a un retraso diagnóstico-terapéutico. Las formas articulares se localizan en las grandes articulaciones (cadera, rodilla, codo, tobillo). La afectación temporomandibular es extremadamente infrecuente, pero debe ser considerada ante todo dolor, inflamación o rigidez articular que no se resuelva con tratamientos convencionales y, por tanto, ser investigada.