| Abstract: | Thirty-nine cases of temporal bone fractures involving the ear, shown by radiology, have been described. A separate group of isolated tympanic fractures is considered in addition to the standard classification of transverse and longitudinal fractures. The high proportion of transverse fractures (41%) in this series is thought to represent a more accurate documentation of such fractures. Clinical diagnosis alone will underestimate the proportion of transverse fractures. The presence of associated calvarial fractures is noted and the mechanism of petrous and tympanic fractures is considered. A rationalised approach to the investigation of petrous fractures is described. |
