Normal Hearing after Trauma with Completely Ectopic Incus – How Possible?

Abstract

Objectives: To report the rare case of a patient with complete incus dislocation after trauma showing normal hearing. Methodology: Physical examination, audiometry, CT of temporal bone, and detection during operation. Results: The incus had become remotely located in the mastoid cavity, but the patient showed normal hearing because fibrous connections had preserved bony continuity. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that disruption of the ossicular chain does not always require ossicular reconstruction.

Misplaced incus: an unusual complication of a temporal bone fracture

“…In addition to the case we have described, a single similar case of incus dislocation with preservation of hearing has been described. Zou et al 14 report a case of a 20-year-old woman with a traumatic right temporal bone fracture and consequential facial nerve paresis. An audiogram 2 months post-trauma demonstrated normal hearing bilaterally.…”