SAPHO syndrome with ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint

SAPHO syndrome is a rare combination of different symptoms with unknown aetiology. A complete ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in a patient with SAPHO syndrome has not been described previously. The goal of this case report is to present the disease, give an overview about the frequency of mandibular involvement and describe different therapeutic strategies. The complication of an ankylosis of the TMJ is noted and the literature is reviewed. The authors report a 42-year-old patient with SAPHO syndrome and recurrent swelling of the right mandible and the soft tissue. The persisting involvement of the mandible resulted in a complete osseous ankylosis of the right TMJ and required resection with alloplastic replacement of the right condyle. SAPHO syndrome should be suspected in some cases of 'therapy resistant osteomyelitis' of the mandible. Smaller joints, such as the TMJ may also be affected. Treatment of SAPHO syndrome should include antibiotics and NSAIDs; corticosteroids may be helpful. Surgery is the ultimate treatment.