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Gunshot injuries of the temporal bone
Summary
Gunshot wounds to the temporal bone are increasing with handgun crime. This review outlines management strategies for these complex injuries, including intracranial, neural, and vascular damage.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Trauma Surgery
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Rising handgun crime in the US correlates with increased temporal bone gunshot wounds.
- These injuries pose significant diagnostic and management challenges for otolaryngologists.
Observation:
- A multicenter review analyzed 22 cases treated between 1975 and 1984.
- Injuries involved intracranial structures, facial nerves, vascular supply, and ear structures.
- Specific injuries included intracranial trauma (8), facial nerve damage (11), vascular wounds (7), ear injuries (19), and external auditory canal damage (11).
Findings:
- A wide spectrum of injuries to the temporal bone and contiguous structures was observed.
- Detailed case presentations illustrate vascular, neural, temporal bone, and CNS injuries.
Implications:
- The study outlines a rational management scheme for immediate and long-term care of temporal bone gunshot wounds.
- Findings aid clinicians in addressing complex trauma involving the temporal bone and adjacent critical structures.