Background Septic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint (SATMJ) is acute or chronic
bacterial or fungal infection involving temporomandibular joint (TMJ) space. It is a disease
with high mortality in whole body joints, and about three-fourths of survivors have residual
malfunctioning of the affected joint. Objective The aim of this review was to search
systematically, evaluate and then summarize scientific literature about etiology, signs and
symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the SATMJ in adults. Methods After …

Volume 120 Number 5 HEKKENBERG et al 781 neck infections, systemic and autoimmune
diseases, malnutrition, and sexually transmitted diseases. 2 Local risk factors include
previous joint injury or disease. 1 Entry into the joint space by microorganisms may occur by
one of several mechanisms. Commonly it occurs by hematogenous seeding from a distant
site of infection or intravenous drug use with resultant septic emboli. 2 The highly vascular
synovium of the joint has no limiting basement membrane, which makes it vulnerable to …