Abstract
Temporal bone fractures in the pediatric age group account for 6–22% of all temporal bone fractures cases. It is extremely rare in infants, and will usually result in a lethal outcome. Complications of temporal bone fractures include cerebro-spinal fluid leaks, ossicular disruption, hearing loss and acquired cholesteatomas.
We present the case report of a 4 month old baby who survived a motor vehicle accident, but sustained bilateral temporal bone fractures, with ossicular disruption and dislocation, and cholesteatoma formation. A cerebro-spinal fluid leak and brain herniation were averted courtesy of the head of the incus tamponading the defect in the skull base. We also present a short review of the current management of temporal bone fractures and its complications in children.
