Malignant (invasive) otitis externa involving the temporomandibular joint

Malignant (invasive) otitis externa (MOE) is an infection involving the external auditory meatus (EAM), most often found in elderly diabetics, which carries a high morbidity and mortality. In advanced cases it may give rise to osteomyelitis and cranial neuropathies. This is a case ofMOE, which invaded the posterior wall of the right temporomandibular joint (TMJ), resulting in severe trismus and pain. Subsequently, this required treatment by replacement of the glenoid fossa with a Silastic prosthesis.