Infectious arthritis and the temporomandibular joint. A review

Abstract

Objective Microorganisms can cause acute infectious arthritis, chronic infectious arthritis, or reactive inflammatory arthritis. The aim of this study is to perform a narrative review of the pathophysiology, etiology, and diagnostic features of infectious arthritis and TMJ infectious arthritis. Methods A search of the literature was performed using Medline, Scielo, Embase, and Google Scholar databases. The terms employed for the search were "Temporomandibular Joint Disorders" and "Infectious Arthritis"; or "Septic Arthritis"; or "Bacterial, Fungal, or Viral Arthritis." Over three hundred articles were screened for eligibility. Results The selected articles were utilized to perform a narrative review of the general aspects of infectious arthritis and infectious arthritis affecting the TMJ. Conclusion Infectious arthritis is a rare, yet very morbid, form of arthritis. Understanding general aspects of joint infections and specific features of TMJ infectious arthritis is imperative for an adequate diagnosis.