Temporal bone fractures inducing facial nerve paralysis: a new classification and its clinical significance.

Based on the analysis of the operative findings in 97 temporal bone fractures with respect to location, site of injury to the facial nerve and associated damage, we propose a new classification of the temporal bone fracture, using types 1, 2, 3 and 4, as previously described. Three-dimensional helical CT is valuable for assessment of fracture type. The incidence of each fracture type and the site of the injury to the facial nerve are described and the surgical significance of the classification is discussed.