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Low velocity gunshot injuries to the temporal bone

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

Steven L. Sabin ,
Dennis Lee  and
Gady Har-El
Steven L. Sabin*
Affiliation:
State University of New York – Health Science CenterBrooklyn, N.Y., U.S.A.
Dennis Lee
Affiliation:
State University of New York – Health Science CenterBrooklyn, N.Y., U.S.A.
Gady Har-El
Affiliation:
State University of New York – Health Science CenterBrooklyn, N.Y., U.S.A.
*
Address for correrspondence: Steven L. Sabin, M.D., Otolaryngology Associates of Central New Jersey, B-3 Cornwall Drive, East Brunswick, N.J. 08816, U.S.A..
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Abstract

Objective

To review the presentation, symptoms and management associated with low velocity gunshot injuries to the temporal bone.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 26 patients treated for low velocity gunshot injuries to the temporal bone.

Results

Initial presentation included otorrhoea (69 per cent), facial nerve injury (27 per cent), hearing loss (65 per cent), intracranial injuries (50 per cent), and cranial neuropathies (58 per cent). Nine patients (35 per cent) underwent angiography, which showed vascular injury in five of them. Four patients died.

Conclusion

Low velocity gunshot injuries can be devastating and may result in functional sequelae. Low velocity missiles crush and lacerate surrounding structures, while high velocity missiles cause extensive wound cavity formation. Early aggressive management for intracranial, vascular and facial nerve injury can improve outcome.

Keywords

Temporal boneWounds, gunshot
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 112 , Issue 10 , October 1998 , pp. 929 - 933
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1998

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Footnotes

Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Washington, D.C., September 1996.

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