Temporal bone fractures.

This report has illustrated the variety of temporal bone fractures that involve the zygomatic, squamous, and petromastoid components of the temporal bone. Complications as they relate to each type of fracture have been emphasized. Although longitudinal and transverse fractures can be identified, temporal bone trauma usually creates unique fractures constellations that must be individually described. In each case, a careful inspection of the ossides, otic capsule (vestibule/cochlea), internal auditory, and facial nerve canal must be undertaken. When a patient presents with temporal bone fracture and facial nerve paralysis, identification of the site of facial nerve injury may now lead to surgical decompression of this area of the facial nerve canal and possible nerve grafting.