Temporal Bone Fractures: A Review for the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Fracture of the temporal bone is, by definition, a fracture of the skull base. Even though the oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) may not provide definitive management of temporal bone fractures or their sequelae, a working knowledge of this area is important for any surgeon participating in the care of patients with craniomaxillofacial trauma, because temporal bone fractures are often associated with injuries to other areas of the craniomaxillofacial skeleton and because these fractures are relatively frequent. In many centers, particularly community hospitals, the OMS may be the primary provider of care for facial trauma and will treat patients with clinical or radiographic evidence of temporal bone fractures. Immediate access to other specialists to manage or observe these injuries may not be possible, making the OMS responsible for early evaluation and management.

This article briefly reviews the epidemiology of temporal bone injuries, as well as the pertinent anatomy, radiographic imaging findings, and ancillary testing maneuvers. It then presents a more detailed description of the various clinical findings and the associated management strategies. It concludes with a discussion of the subset of temporal bone fractures involving the temporomandibular joint.