Aim:

The aim of this case report is to present arthrocentesis as a minimally invasive surgical alternative in the treatment of temporomandibular septic arthritis.

Clinical case:

A 26-year-old male patient, with a history of treated right perimandibular phlegmon, came to the Maxillofacial Surgery Hospital Unit due to temporomandibular joint pain, functional impairment and trismus, one month after having recovered from his first infectious process. After clinical and complementary examinations, septic arthritis of the right temporomandibular joint was diagnosed, which was treated surgically by means of two arthrocenteses and pharmacological therapy.