Tubercular osteomyelitis of mandibular condyle in a pediatric patient

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a chronic granulomatous bacterial infection caused most commonly by Mycobacterium species. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) of the mandibular condyle is rare and presents with alteration of the condylar morphology along with extra-oral swelling. EPTB can either be a primary or a secondary source of infection i.e. disseminated from other organs. We represent a case of a 7 - year- old male with EPTB of the mandibular condyle causing osteomyelitis with uneventful healing. Ill-defined radiolucency of the mandibular condyle on radiographs should include tuberculosis as a differential diagnosis.