Introduction Temporal bone fractures (TBFs) present complex diagnostic and management challenges. Due to the large amount of force required to fracture the temporal bone, several other injuries may also be present. The severity and number injuries may result in incomplete…
Introduction Head injury is a major source of disability and mortality worldwide. The CDC reports that in 2017 there were 224,000 head injury-related hospitalizations in the United States. Unintentional falls accounted for nearly 50% of these hospitalizations, motor vehicle crashes…
Introduction In 2005, the Department of Veterans Affairs awarded more than $1 billion for otologic-related disabilities—the majority of which were due to impulse noise exposures and blast injuries. The ear is the body's most sensitive pressure transducer, and as a…
Introduction Damage to the ear is the most common organ injury after exposure to blast overpressure (BOP). A blast injury occurs due to a rapid overpressurization force to the body. The middle and inner ear are particularly sensitive to sudden…
Auricular anatomy Mastery of auricular anatomy is a prerequisite for achieving successful reconstruction. The majority of the auricle is composed of an intricate cartilaginous framework with an overlying taut skin envelope, creating distinct topographical landmarks ( Fig. 3.1 ). The lobule…
Introduction Extent and severity of injury in the setting of otologic and lateral skull base trauma are readily detected noninvasively by imaging. Due to its speed and excellent spatial resolution, multidetector CT (MDCT) remains the primary modality of choice in…
Overview Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health issue globally and in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines TBI as an insult (blow or bump to the head) or penetrating head injury affecting the…