Isolated Styloid Process Fracture of the Temporal Bone: A Rare Assault-Related Injury

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Traumatic fractures of the temporal bone styloid process are uncommon injuries.
• These fractures are rarely isolated, often associated with other maxillofacial trauma.
• Their rarity contributes to frequent overlooking and misdiagnosis.

Observation:

• This report details an isolated traumatic styloid process fracture in a patient presenting after physical assault.
• Diagnosis required a high degree of clinical suspicion.
• Computed tomography (CT) imaging, particularly multiplanar and 3D reformatted images, was essential for identification.

Findings:

• An isolated fracture of the styloid process of the temporal bone was identified.
• The fracture was diagnosed in the context of a physical assault.
• Advanced CT imaging techniques were critical for accurate diagnosis.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering styloid process fractures in patients with head trauma, even without obvious maxillofacial injuries.
• Emphasizes the diagnostic value of multiplanar and 3D-CT imaging for subtle fractures.
• Underscores the need for increased awareness among clinicians to prevent misdiagnosis of these rare injuries.