Temporal bone fracture and facial paralysis caused by temporal bone fracture

Abstract：Facial nerve paralysis is a common complication following temporal bone fracture. A literature review was carried out,and the epidemiological data,bio-mechanical data and historical evolution of fracture types of temporal bone fracture were summarized in the report. Epidemiological data of facial nerve paralysis after temporal bone fracture,the relationship between the timing following the fracture and prognosis of facial nerve paralysis,and the pathophysiological manifestations following facial nerve injuries were analyzed. The conservative treatment of facial nerve paralysis after temporal bone fracture was introduced. In ad-dition,the report also introduced evolution of the timing,approach and surgical skills of early facial nerve decompression,and the development of nerve repair techniques,such as late facial nerve connection,cross-facial nerve grafting techniques,etc. It is con-cluded that there is no uniform standard for timing and approach of early facial nerve decompression surgery and late nerve connection and cross-facial nerve grafting are quite difficult and complex. There still is a gap between the final outcomes and patients’ expectation.