Comparison of temporal bone fractures in children and adults.

CONCLUSION

Contrary to our expectation, that the clinical characteristics of temporal bone fracture would differ in children and adults, we found that the two groups were similar.

OBJECTIVES

Most studies of temporal bone fractures have been performed in adults. To our knowledge, no study has investigated differences in temporal bone fractures in children and adults. We therefore investigated differences in temporal bone fractures in adults and children by examining the manifestations and clinical symptoms of temporal bone fractures in pediatric patients.

METHODS

The demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed in 32 children and 186 adults with temporal bone fractures. All patients underwent computed tomography of the temporal bone.

RESULTS

Causes of fracture, gender distribution, manifestations of temporal bone fracture, and clinical symptoms were similar in adults and children (p > 0.05 each). Petrous fracture, ear fullness, dizziness, and tinnitus were significantly more frequent in adults than in children (p < 0.05 each).