Temporoparietal fascia flap and total temporomandibular joint replacement for the management of patent foramen of Huschke

Abstract

Spontaneous herniation of the condylar head into the external auditory canal (EAC) through the foramen of Huschke is extremely rare, with approximately 30 cases reported in the international literature. The typical presentation is a constellation of non-specific symptoms including otalgia, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, malocclusion, otorrhea, tinnitus while chewing, and hearing loss. Clinical examination may reveal pain, granulation tissue in the EAC, or the exposed mandibular condyle with the mouth closed. With mouth opening, the tissue or exposed bone retracts anteriorly leaving an often normal-appearing EAC. Having the patient open and close the mouth while performing otoscopy will show the displacement of tissue, which is critical for diagnosis of the condition. Radiographic examination with a computed tomography scan typically reveals a discontinuous anterior wall of the EAC with visible soft tissue in the protruding in the EAC. A case of spontaneous TMJ herniation into the EAC in a 54-year-old male patient with a history of otalgia and malocclusion is reported here. Total joint replacement therapy for the treatment of this rare condition is reported, and its importance in providing a posterior mechanical stop to prevent joint relapse is discussed.