External auditory canal injury following removal of an impacted third molar: a case report

Concomitant "Ear Bleed and Styloid Fracture": An Unusual Complication of Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Removal

The removal of impacted mandibular third molar is associated with potential complications such as dry socket, paresthesia, uncontrolled socket bleeding, angle fracture, etc., which are commonly encountered in dental practice. This article presents a peculiar case of "ear bleed" concomitant with "isolated styloid" fracture following removal of impacted mandibular third molar, not reported in the literature till date. Ear bleed is a bothersome clinical sign that requires thorough investigation and prompt treatment because it is frequently related to fractures of the skull base. Isolated fracture of the styloid process is rare; its diagnosis, impact on adjacent vital structures, and treatment protocol are less discussed in maxillofacial literature. The case report elucidates the etiopathogenesis of ear bleed and styloid fracture which have great clinical implications. The clinical correlation between the two entities and dental extraction is discussed in this report to guide a dental practitioner in its management.

Maxillofacial trauma patterns associated with external auditory canal fractures: Cone beam computed tomography analysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

There is a paucity of literature on external auditory canal (EAC) fractures secondary to maxillofacial trauma, with most of the literature on EAC fractures consisting of isolated case reports. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first study to use cone beam computed tomography to evaluate the EAC region. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of external auditory canal (EAC) fracture following maxillofacial trauma and to evaluate the association between EAC fracture and other maxillofacial fractures and the region of trauma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred patients were prospectively evaluated over 6 months from February to August 2016. The patients were referred for CBCT regarding temporomandibular joint or condylar fractures following maxillofacial trauma. Two observers (both experienced radiologists) assessed the EAC and associated fractures in the maxillofacial region.

RESULTS

External auditory canal (EAC) fracture was confirmed in 32% of the patients. Of the EAC fractures, 68.75% and 31.25% were associated with mandibular fractures and non-mandibular fractures, respectively. Of the EAC fractures, 68.75% were single fractures and 31.25% of patients had multiple comminuted fractures. Significant association was observed on cross-tabulation of the fractured region and region of trauma with the presence of EAC fracture using chi-square test.

CONCLUSION

External auditory canal (EAC) fracture is associated with maxillofacial fractures with increased incidence in mandibular fractures compared to non-mandibular fractures.

Anterior tympanic plate fracture following extraction of the lower molar

The present case report describes an external auditory canal injury following extraction of the lower molar. The external auditory canal was torn in the same fashion that occurs in an anterior tympanic plate fracture. This case demonstrates one of the rare complications associated with dental extractions.