Temporal Bone Fracture
- Most temporal bone fractures are a result of high-energy blunt head trauma.
- Temporal bone fractures are present in 14%–22% of patients with skull fractures.
- Temporal bone fractures were originally classified as transverse and longitudinal. However, it is now recognized that most fractures are mixed.
- Key Diagnostic Features:
- Imaging findings include fractures involving the temporal bone.
- It is absolutely essential to look for extension of the fracture line to the ossicles, otic capsule, facial nerve canal, carotid canal, jugular foramen, and other adjacent skull base structures.
- Associated findings include opacification of the tympanic cavity and mastoid air cells due to hemorrhage and adjacent scalp hematoma.
- The brain should be evaluated for contusions.
- Rx: Depends on the extent of the fracture and the structures involved
