The Laryngoscope
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Acute radiographic workup of blunt temporal bone trauma: maxillofacial versus temporal bone CT.
To evaluate the radiographic workup of blunt temporal bone trauma and determine the utility of maxillofacial computed tomography (CT) versus temporal bone CT in identifying carotid canal fractures. ⋯ A combination of helical computed tomography and physical exam findings can allow for judicious use of temporal bone CTs when no maxillofacial CT is indicated. Temporal bone CTs rarely change acute management. But when they do, it is in regard to the need for further workup of possible vascular injury. Lastly, maxillofacial CTs are adequate for identifying carotid canal fractures.