Gout of the temporomandibular joint A review of the literature

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.