Case report: An endoscopic approach to the middle ear following significant penetrating trauma

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: While blunt trauma to the head is a well-recognized cause of middle ear injuries, penetrating traumas are far less common. Due to the close anatomical relations, the potential consequences of such injuries can be catastrophic.

CASE PRESENTATION: A man presented following a penetrating injury to the external auditory canal. He sustained unilateral sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, imbalance and facial nerve palsy.

DISCUSSION: Radiological imaging showed a pneumolabyrinth and suggested middle ear foreign body. Endoscopic middle ear exploration was undertaken, demonstrating adhesions and organic debris, a dehiscent and oedematous facial nerve, downward fracture of the stapes footplate and a perforation in the oval window. Endoscopic debridement with facial nerve decompression and fat plug graft of the oval window allowed full recovery of facial nerve function and improvement of vestibular symptoms.

CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ear surgery can be a valuable tool for exploring and repairing penetrating middle ear injuries.