LOW-VELOCITY GUNSHOT INJURIES TO THE TEMPORAL BONE

Objective: To review the presentation, symptoms and management associa ted with low velocity gunshot injuries to the temporal bone. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 26 patients treated for low velocity gunsh ot injuries to the temporal bone. Results: Initial presentation includ ed otorrhoea (69 per cent), facial nerve injury (27 per cent), hearing loss (65 per cent), intracranial injuries (50 per cent), and cranial neuropathies (58 per cent). Nine patients (35 per cent) underwent angi ography, which showed vascular injury in five of them. Four patients d ied. Conclusions: Low velocity gunshot injuries can be devastating and may result in functional sequelae. Low velocity missiles crush and la cerate surrounding structures, while high velocity missiles cause exte nsive wound cavity formation. Early aggressive management for intracra nial, vascular and facial nerve injury can improve outcome.