Osteoblastoma of the temporal articular tubercle misdiagnosed as a temporomandibular joint disorder

• This is a case report of a benign osteoblastoma in the temporomandibular joint of a 17-year-old female. The patient had a two-and-a-half-year history of reduced mouth opening accompanied by tenderness and swelling in the left temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Initial treatment included stabilization of occlusion with a splint, jaw exercise and analgesics. At first symptoms decreased, but then increased 18 months later, prompting evaluation by a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan of the joint. The radiographic findings showed a somewhat ill-defined, radiolucent, expansile lesion containing small scattered calcifications. The lesion was removed under general anesthesia and sent for histopathological examination. At 12-month follow-up the patient had normal function in the TMJ without clinical symptoms. CBCT examination showed a small recurrence of 3 millimeter. Another 12 months later CBCT showed a 1 mm increase of the recurrence. Function was normal with a subtle tenderness lateral to the left TMJ. The decision from a multidisciplinary meeting was further annually follow-up. The present case illustrates the importance of radiographic examination of patients with temporomandibular dysfunction when conservative treatment of symptoms does not relieve pain or swelling.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Dentistry

Osteoblastoma

Temporomandibular disorders

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)