Misplaced incus: an unusual complication of a temporal bone fracture

Abstract

A 24-year-old man sustained significant injuries as a result of a motor bicycle accident. CT scans demonstrated multiple intracranial injuries including bilateral temporal bone fractures. On emergence from sedation, the patient reported right-sided hearing loss which was attributed to ossicular chain disruption after the incus was found to be in the external auditory canal. Unexpectedly, the initial conductive hearing loss resolved with conservative management and an ossicular chain reconstruction was not required. This is an unusual case of impressive long-term good hearing outcomes following complete dislocation of the incus and extrusion from the middle ear.