Temporal Bone Fractures

Abstract

Temporal bone fractures are classified into two main groups: longitudinal and transverse fractures. Longitudinal fractures are much more frequent. The incidence of longitudinal fractures is four times greater than of transverse fractures. Generally, temporal and parietal blows are associated with longitudinal fractures. Conductive-type hearing loss is generally accompanied by longitudinal temporal bone fractures. Facial nerve injury may occur at the geniculate ganglion area and is only seen in 15% of longitudinal fractures. Tympanic membrane perforation or bleeding into the middle ear may also be seen. Transverse fractures generally occur due to frontal or occipital trauma. They frequently affect the facial nerve and inner ear. Hemotympanum may be associated with transverse fractures, but tympanic membrane perforation is not seen. Temporal bone fractures do not always follow these general guidelines, and some fractures are mixed. These fractures are evaluated according to the type of lesions.