Spontaneous Herniation of Temporomandibular Joint through the External Auditory Canal

Abstract

Spontaneous herniation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) through the external auditory canal (EAC) is a relatively rare condition. It was first described by Hawke in 1987. In this article, 2 cases with spontaneous herniation of TMJ were reported together with clinical and radiological features, as well as the updated literature.The first case was a 56-year-old female patient, and she applied to our clinic because of itching at the EAC. On physical examination, herniation of the TMJ to the left EAC was detected. On computerized tomography, there was a bony defect at the anterior portion of the left EAC. The second case was a 52-year-old female, and she attended our clinic with sore throat. On routine physical examination, herniation of the TMJ through the left EAC was detected. Both patients were asymptomatic; none of them underwent surgery and follow-up visits were recommended.In the presence of herniation of the TMJ, a bony defect between the posterior wall of the glenoid cavity and anterior part of the EAC should be taken into consideration. Treatment of TMJ herniation through the EAC is controversial, and presence and the degree of the symptoms are the factors which were taken into consideration for management.

Keywords

• temporomandibular joint
• herniation
• foramen of huschke