Non-Fatal Transverse Fractures of the Temporal Bone -Histopathology, Late Complications

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Abstract
The histopathology of five temporal bones with transverse fractures shows severe degeneration of the auditory and vestibular labyrinths in four and preservation of the cochlear sense organ in one. The fracture extended through the intratemporal part of the facial canal in two cases suggesting the possible need for exploration of the facial nerve into the internal auditory canal in some cases of facial injury. Fractures through the enchondral layer of the bony labyrinth do not heal by osteogenesis so that the fracture may form a pathway between the middle ear and the meninges. These patients should be alerted about the risk of meningitis in connection with upper respiratory infections and should be advised to live only in areas where expert medical care is available.

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