An Isolated Chronic Gun Pellet Entrapped in Temporomandibular Joint A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Purpose: To highlight an isolated gun pellet injury in the temporomandibular joint. Head and face are relatively common sites of gunshot injury and the isolated temporomandibular joint is uncommonly involved. This paper highlights a case of facial gunshot wound and the projectile was lodged at the neck of the condyle in the temporomandibular joint region causing pain, trismus and impairment in the mandible function. The projectile was identified and isolated to retrieve surgically via endaural approach. Postoperative strict physiotherapy schedule was followed to restore the function of the joint. Six months follow up revealed good range of functional movements without pain.