INTRODUCTION: The fractures in the temporal bone are lesions that are observed in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The computed tomography of high-resolution (CT) allows evaluating the fracture and the complications. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate patients with TBI and temporal bone fracture. WAY OF STUDY: Retrospective study. METHOD: Were evaluated 28 patients interned by TBI with clinical evidence and/or radiologic from temporal bone fractures. RESULTS: The age ranged from 3 to 75 years. The most affected side was the right side 50% (n=14), left side 36% (n=10) and both sides 14% (n=4). The etiology of the trauma was the falling 25% (n=7), accidents with motorcycles and bicycles 21% (n=6), physical aggression 14% (n=4), running over 11% (n=3), fall of object 4% (n=1) and other causes 25% (n=7). The clinical signs were: Otorrhagia 78%, otalgia 11% (n=3), otorrhea 7% (n=2), facial paralysis 7% (n=2) and hearing loss 7% (n=2). The otoscopic findings: otorrhagia 57% (n=16), laceration of external auditory canal 36% (n=10), hemotympanum 11% (n=3), normal 7% (n=2) and Battle signal 7% (n=2). The findings for CT of skull were: with no alterations 54% (n=15) and temporal fracture 7% (n=2) and the CT of temporal bones were: line of fracture 71% (n=20), opacification of the mastoid 25% (n=7), glenoid cavity air 14% (n=1), dislocation of the ossicular chain 7% (n=2) and veiling of the middle ear 4% (n=1). CONCLUSION: Patients with TBI must be submitted to the otorhinolaryngological evaluation and imaging, for the early diagnosis of the complications and treatment.
temporal bone; fracture in the base of skull; computed tomography by X-ray
