Gout of the temporomandibular joint: a review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Gout is a common metabolic disorder that leads to elevated serum uric acid levels and deposition of urate crystals in tissues, leading to conditions such as arthritis and neuropathy.

Case description: Although the prevalence of gout has been increasing during the past two decades, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement is rare, with only 10 reports in the English-language literature. The authors present a rare case of gout involving the TMJ in a 51-year-old woman. They also review reported cases of gout involving the TMJ, including the clinical, radiographic and microscopic diagnostic criteria. The patient was treated primarily with anti-inflammatory drugs and colchicine but refused to undergo surgery. To date, she continues to be free of symptoms despite the presence of gouty deposits.

Clinical implications: Because of its rarity, a clinician may overlook gout involving the TMJ in the differential diagnosis of facial pain even when the patient has received a diagnosis of gout in other joints.