What question did this study set out to answer?

To report a rare case of infection due to Mycobacterium abscessus after TMJ arthroscopy.

June 11, 2026Open Access

Mycobacterium abscesses infection after TMJ arthroscopy

Key Points

To report a rare case of infection due to Mycobacterium abscessus after TMJ arthroscopy.
Case presentation of a 26-year-old female with symptoms six weeks post-surgery.
Used empiric antimicrobial therapy followed by targeted therapy based on culture.
Conducted surgical debridement as part of treatment.
Successful clinical and radiographic resolution after 12 months of treatment.
Observed bilateral superficial cutaneous infection and mandibular osteomyelitis.
Presenting symptoms included swelling, pain, and microabscess formation.

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy is widely regarded as a safe, minimally invasive intervention for temporomandibular disorders, with postoperative infections rarely reported. This article presents the first known instance of bilateral superficial cutaneous infection and mandibular osteomyelitis caused by Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. massiliense after bilateral level II TMJ arthroscopy. This 26-year-old female presented with progressive bilateral pre-auricular swelling, pain, and superficial microabscess formation six weeks after arthroscopy. Antimicrobial therapy, first empiric followed by targeted therapy based on culture in addition to surgical debridement, resulted in successful clinical and radiographic resolution after 12 months. Although exceedingly rare, postoperative infections following TMJ arthroscopy can be severe and life-altering.

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