Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026
07:15
In vivo Macrophage Imaging Using MR Targeted Contrast Agent for Longitudinal Evaluation of Septic Arthritis
Published on: October 20, 2013
9.8K
Temporomandibular Joint Septic Arthritis.
Gianfranco Frojo1, Kashyap Komarraju Tadisina1, Vilaas Shetty1
1Division of Pediatric Plastic Surgery, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo.; Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Section, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo.; and SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open
|February 22, 2018
Summary
Pediatric temporomandibular joint (TMJ) infection requires prompt recognition of symptoms like fever and swelling. Early non-surgical treatment with antibiotics and joint decompression can restore normal function.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Orthopedic surgery
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) infection is a rare pediatric condition often caused by pathogen introduction via hematogenous spread, local extension, or trauma.
- Early identification of signs such as fever, trismus, preauricular swelling, and TMJ tenderness is crucial to prevent complications like ankylosis and abnormal facial development.
Observation:
- A case study involved a healthy 6-year-old male diagnosed with bacterial arthritis of the TMJ.
- The patient presented with typical symptoms necessitating prompt evaluation and intervention.
Findings:
- Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and laboratory tests (ESR, CRP, WBC) aided in diagnosis and monitoring.
- Initial management included empiric parenteral antibiotics, early mandibular mobilization, and joint decompression for synovial fluid analysis.
Implications:
- Nonsurgical treatment with intravenous antibiotics and needle joint decompression led to a full recovery.
- This case highlights the effectiveness of timely, conservative management in pediatric TMJ infections, preventing long-term sequelae.
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