Temporal bone fractures after falls.

OBJECTIVE

This study describes the management and outcomes of temporal bone fractures resulting from falls.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients with traumatic temporal bone fractures from 2018 through 2022.

RESULTS

We analysed 171 patients with temporal bone fractures, 62 (36.3 per cent) of which occurred secondary to falls. Fall patients were significantly older than non-fall patients (mean age 46 vs. 38 years; p = 0.0079) and had higher Modified Frailty Index-5 scores (0.63 vs. 0.20; p = 0.0003). Fall patients had shorter hospital stays (10.1 vs. 15.8 days; p = 0.015), were more frequently discharged home (66.1 vs. 44.0 per cent; p = 0.007) and were less likely to experience non-resolving facial nerve weakness (6.5 vs. 21.1 per cent; p = 0.030).

CONCLUSION

Patients with temporal bone fractures from falls are older and frailer than non-fall patients and have unique preventative and rehabilitation needs.