Cerebrospinal fluid otorrhoea and otorhinorrhoea following closed head injury.

A discussion of acute traumatic CSF otorrhoea and otorhinorrhoea is presented. The incidence of meningeal infection is reviewed and the management of these cases is outlined with special emphasis on the indications for surgical intervention and the otological procedures available. Two patients who sustained transverse fractures of the petrous temporal bone are described in whom subsequent attacks of meningitis were prevented by a new, simple yet effective operation.