Abstract
Septic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a rare condition, particularly in the paediatric population. Our case involves a 15-year-old unvaccinated Amish man with acute pain and trismus of the TMJ. The diagnosis was reached after history, clinical examination, radiographic and laboratory examinations were performed. The patient improved after a minimally invasive surgical procedure and medical therapy. Failure to recognise and treat septic arthritis in a timely fashion can result in serious sequalae. Infectious aetiologies should be kept on the differential for any patient with acute TMJ pain.