Trauma of the ear is a common presentation to the emergency room, and consists of a variety of pathologies encompassing simple trauma to the auricle at one end of the spectrum and extending to temporal bone fractures complicated by facial nerve palsy and leak of cerebrospinal fluid. This paper looks at the application of fundamental principles in the assessment of such patients, and identifies manage ment strategies that can limit morbidity and improve outcomes. It is written as a simple guide for nonotolaryngologists, and emphasizes clinical assessment and disposal rather than actual treatment.
Bascom DA, Schaitkin BM, May MKlein S.2000. Facial nerve repair: a retrospective review. Facial Plast Surg16: 309-313.
2.
Brodie HA, Thompson TC.1997. Management of complications from 820 temporal bone fractures. Am J Otol18: 188-197.
3.
Chang CY, Cass SP.1999. Management of facial nerve injury due to temporal bone trauma. Am J Otol. 20: 96-114
4.
Davis RE, Telischi FF.1995. Traumatic facial nerve injuries: review of diagnosis and treatment. J Craniomaxillofac Trauma1: 30-41
5.
Lyos AT, Marsh MA, Jenkins HA, Coker NJ.1995. Progressive hearing loss after transverse temporal bone fracture. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 121: 795-799.
6.
Saeed SR, Ramsden RT.1996. Rehabilitation of the paralysed face: results of facial nerve surgery. J Laryngol Otol110: 922-925
7.
Savva A, Taylor MJ, Beatty CW.2003. Management of cerebrospinal fluid leaks involving the temporal bone: report on 92 patients. Laryngoscope113: 50-56
8.
Thorne CH, Brecht LE, Bradley JP, Levine JP, Hammerschlag P, Longaker MT.2001. Auricular reconstruction: indications for autogenous and prosthetic techniques. Plast Reconstr Surg107: 1241-1252