Ossicular Injury Caused by A Knitting Needle

Abstract

Ossicular chain injury is a complication of trauma caused to temporal bone, but rarely, it can also occur due to direct trauma caused to ossicular chain by a penetrating injury. Patients usually suffering from conductive hearing loss and vertigo, although a facial nerve injury is also a possibility. We are describing here a case of young male who presented with a penetrating trauma to the left ear, caused by a metallic knitting needle, that resulted in ossicular chain disruption. The patient suffered from severe vertigo and conductive hearing loss. He was advised complete bed rest and vertin for controlling vertigo, after which he recovered. Computed tomography is the investigation of choice for detecting and characterizing such injuries, for proper management of patients. Penetrating middle ear trauma differs from blunt trauma, as the mechanism of injury is distinct. The injury is usually isolated and an urgent repair may be needed. Hearing results after an immediate or a delayed ossiculoplasty are apparently satisfying, although late cases are assumed to be associated with adhesions or fibrosis.