Pseudogout of the temporomandibular joint: immediate reconstruction with total joint arthroplasty

Treatment of tophaceous pseudogout in the temporomandibular joint with resection and alloplastic reconstruction: a single-staged approach

Tophaceous pseudogout is a rare variant of the calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) disorder, with predilection for the TMJ. It is characterized by calcific deposits composed of rhomboid- or rectangular-shaped crystals that exhibit birefringence when examined under polarized light. We hereby present a case of a 65-year-old man with left pre-auricular tenderness and malocclusion. CT imaging was notable for a left TMJ mineralized mass with erosion of the condylar head. Treatment involved excision of the mass with eminectomy, condylectomy, and a stock total TMJ reconstruction. In this report, important considerations for diagnosis, biopsy, and surgical treatment with emphasis on reconstruction for tophaceous pseudogout of the TMJ have been highlighted by the authors.

Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease of the temporomandibular joint invading the middle cranial fossa: Two case reports

BACKGROUND

Pseudogout is a benign joint lesion caused by the deposition of calcium pyro-phosphate dihydrate crystals, but it is invasive. Pseudogout of the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) is uncommon, and it rarely invades the skull base or penetrates into the middle cranial fossa. The disease has no characteristic clinical manifestations and is easily misdiagnosed.

CASE SUMMARY

We present two cases of tophaceous pseudogout of the TMJ invading the middle cranial fossa. A 46-year-old woman with a history of diabetes for more than 10 years was admitted to the hospital due to swelling and pain in the right temporal region. Another patient, a 52-year-old man with a mass in the left TMJ for 6 years, was admitted to the hospital. Maxillofacial imaging showed a calcified mass and severe bone destruction of the skull base in the TMJ area. Both patients underwent excision of the lesion. The lesion was pathologically diagnosed as tophaceous pseudogout. The symptoms in these patients were relieved after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Tophaceous pseudogout should be considered when there is a calcified mass in the TMJ with or without bone destruction. A pathological examination is the gold standard for diagnosing this disease. Surgical treatment is currently the recommended treatment, and the prognosis is good after surgery.

Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease: A case report with bilateral involvement of the temporomandibular joints and concurrence of psoriatic arthritis

Calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate deposition (CPDD) disease very rarely affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It may resemble synovial chondromatosis, chondrosarcoma, chondroblastoma, or a parotid tumor. Clinical examination, CT, and MRI are important in making the correct diagnosis. Surgical removal of CPDD is necessary with or without excision of the TMJ.

Treatment of calcium pyrophosphate deposition in the temporomandibular joint with resection and simultaneous reconstruction using a custom joint prosthesis

PURPOSE

The authors present a rare case of calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), successfully treated with complete resection and immediate reconstruction using a custom-made prosthesis. This one-stage approach has prevented the patient from requiring two surgeries and has proven effective in the management of the condition.

METHODS

Our patient, a 56-year-old male, presented with left TMJ pain and trismus. Investigations showed a destructive left TMJ mass, confirmed by biopsy to be tophaceous pseudogout. The treatment involved excising all the affected tissues followed by condylectomy, coronoidectomy, and a total TMJ replacement. The patient recovered well from surgery with good mouth opening.

RESULTS

CPPD disease is a metabolic arthropathy of poorly understood aetiology. Management options vary from conservative non-surgical to surgical treatment depending on the severity.

CONCLUSION

This case demonstrates the feasibility of a one-stage procedure with reconstruction using a custom-made prosthesis and virtual planning.