Gout of the Temporomandibular Joint: A Case Report

Gout is a disorder caused by hyperuricemia, consisting of the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints and soft tissues. Although gout primarily affects lower extremities, especially the first metatarsophalangeal joint, it can also involve atypical sites, including the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (1, 2). Patients with TMJ gout often present with acute or chronic pain, swelling, tenderness, and restricted jaw movement, which may mimic temporomandibular disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or septic arthritis (1, 2). Temporomandibular joint disorders can present with a full range of symptoms that can overlap with several other conditions. A comprehensive differential diagnosis is essential for accurate identification and appropriate treatment.