A case report of chondrocalcinosis of the temporomandibular joint: Surgical management and literature review

Background: Chondrocalcinosis is a metabolic disorder characterized by non-infectious joint inflammation with intra- or periarticular calcification. Temporomandibular (TMJ) chondrocalcinosis is rare and not usually included in the differential diagnosis of TMJ and facial pain disorders. Case report: A 67-year-old woman presented with a calcified mass in the right TMJ between the condyle and glenoid fossa, eroding into the floor of the middle cranial fossa due to calcium pyrophosphate deposition in the TMJ. She underwent surgical excision of the mass with immediate econstruction with a custom-made prosthesis. On follow-up, there was complete clinical resolution, with no evidence of recurrence. Literature related to surgical treatment of chondrocalcinosis of TMJ and its treatment was reviewed. Surgery is the most commonly used treatment. A custom-made device allowed us to bridge the defect caused by the destructive disease process. Conclusion: Custom-made prostheses can be considered a safe and effective solution in erosive forms of chondrocalcinosis, replacing the TMJ to restore functionality and correct the anatomical defect.