Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2025
High-Speed Human Temporal Bone Sectioning for the Assessment of COVID-19-Associated Middle Ear Pathology
Published on: May 18, 2022
Gun shot injuries to the temporal bone: Anatomic predictors of mortality
Leandro Socolovsky1, Mihai A Bentan2, Michael Bauschard2
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Rd NW FL 1, Washington, DC 20007, USA; Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University. 401 N 11th St, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
Purpose:
To explore anatomic predictors of mortality from gunshot wounds involving the temporal bone.
Methods:
A retrospective search of radiology reports was performed for all patients with CT reports suggestive of gunshot wounds (GSW) to the TB (2000-2020). All cases were reviewed by the senior author to confirm injury to the temporal bone. Detailed demographic and radiographic data were collected.
Main Findings:
A total of 120 patients met inclusion criteria. The majority of patients were male (n = 101) and the average age was 32.9. The squamosa was the most commonly involved subsite (n = 90), followed by the mastoid (n = 43). Squamosal entry site had the highest associated mortality (89.7 %). For those with known disposition, 65.8 % (79 of 120) expired on the same hospital admission. Inpatient otolaryngology consultation was noted in 18.3 % (n = 22) of patients, with poor outpatient follow-up.
Conclusions:
This series represents the largest survey of GSW to the temporal bone to date. Although associated mortality is high and outpatient follow-up poor, otolaryngologists should be aware of associated morbidities to facilitate both inpatient and subsequent outpatient management.
