ABSTRACT
The protrusion of articular soft-tissue from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) into the external ear in the absence of trauma, neoplasm or inflammation is rare. We present below a Nigerian adult male with retrodiscal herniation of soft-tissues of the TMJ into the external auditory meatus through a persistent foramen of Huschke. We are not aware of any reports of this developmental defect or its prevalence in the Nigerian medical literature. Therefore, this case is presented to heighten the index of suspicion of physicians when managing patients with otorrhea and otalgia; which is often primarily diagnosed or misdiagnosed as otitis externa. This will help avoid complications associated with the anomaly, some of which could be very serious.
Subject(s)
Ear Canal/diagnostic imaging , Ear Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Hernia/diagnostic imaging , Temporomandibular Joint Disorders/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Adult , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Ear Diseases/drug therapy , Ear Diseases/etiology , Female , Hearing Loss/etiology , Hernia/complications , Hernia/drug therapy , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Soft Tissue Injuries/diagnostic imaging , Soft Tissue Injuries/drug therapy , Temporomandibular Joint Disorders/complications , Temporomandibular Joint Disorders/drug therapy , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To report the commencement of cochlear implantation (CI) in children in Northern Nigeria and review the challenges encountered with a view to establishing CI programme. CASES: Two children with post-meningitic sensorineural hearing loss had standard pre-implantation assessment and cochlear implantation surgery in Nigeria in conjunction with surgeons from another developing country. Post-implantation meningitis was encountered and managed in one of the patients. Post-CI rehabilitation started in a foreign country and continued in our centre after training of our speech therapist. Both patients had improvement in their hearing. CONCLUSION: These showcase successful CI in patients from Sub-Saharan Africa, the challenges included need for development of surgical and post-CI rehabilitation personnel and affordability of the cost of the implant. The support of all the stakeholders needed for commencement of a CI programme was noted.
