[High resolution computerized tomography in the study of traumatic pathology of the temporal bone]

Thirty-five patients with temporal bone fractures were examined; the fractures were sometimes associated with dislocation of the ossicular chain caused by road fatalities. Computed Tomography (CT) was performed either because of the presence of clinical symptoms associated with trauma of the temporal bone, or because of a hemotympanum discovered during a CT scan of the brain. Thirty-three fractures were detected: 19 longitudinal, 6 transverse, and 8 complex. An incudostapedial dislocation was also detected, together with a displacement of a stapedial prosthesis from the lenticular process of incus, and 3 incus-malleus dislocations associated with fractures. High resolution CT allows the precise definition of the course of the fractures, of the associated dislocation of the ossicular chain, and of facial nerve lesion, thus allowing a more accurate surgical intervention. In the examination of the temporal bone, high resolution CT is preferable to pluridirectional tomography because it is easier and faster to perform. Moreover, high resolution CT helps reduce the radiation dose, and yields higher-quality images with more accurate diagnostic information. High resolution CT also allows the brain and the temporal bone to be studied at the same time.