The average age of patients was 34 years,
ranging from 12 to 63; a male predominance was noted (sex-ratio 34/2).
The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle crashes in 29 cases (corresponding to 80,
5 % of cases),
followed by assaults in 5 cases (corresponding to 13,
9%) and work accidents in 2 cases (corresponding to 5,
6%).
Associated intracranial injuries have been noted in 21 patients,
corresponding to 60% of cases,
of varying severity.
It was subarachnoid hemorrhage in 16 cases,
subdural hemorrhage in 7 cases,
epidural hematoma in 8 cases; brain contusions in 12 cases and cerebral edema in 2 case.
Fractures were bilateral in 3 cases corresponding to 8,
3%.
(Fig.1)
Temporal bone fractures were longitudinal in 26 cases (72%),
transverse in 7 cases (19,
4%),
and mixed in 3 cases (8,
6%).
Fractures were otic capsule-violating in 13 cases (36.1%) and otic capsule-sparing in 23 cases (64.1%).
In 12 cases,
there were ossicular injury including ossicular fracture in 5 cases and ossicular dislocation in 7 cases.
Incudomalleolar joint separation was seen in 4 cases while incudostapedial joint separation was seen in 2 cases and incus dislocation in one case.
Fractures that extend to cochlea,
vestibule or semi circular canal were seen in 3 cases (8.3%).
The facial nerve was injured in 13 cases (38 %).
The geniculate ganglion region was the most concerned (in 8 cases) followed by the tympanic segment in 3 cases and the mastoid segment in 2 cases.
There were 2 patients with fractures that extend to the carotid canal.
They underwent CT angiography but no vascular lesion was found.