title: Septic arthritis of the temporo-mandibular joint--a problematic diagnosis.
abstract: A rare case of chronic septic arthritis of the temporo-mandibular joint is described, which presented as a pre-auricular swelling several weeks after a blow to the chin. Although the history indicated an inflammatory process precipitated by trauma, the clinical findings suggested a neoplastic aetiology. The treatment and problems in making an early diagnosis in this condition are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed