Abstract

ABSTRACT:Osteomyelitis of the temporal bone often begins with minor trauma and results in a persistent external otitis. I report my experience with ten patients managed with combined medical and surgical therapy, and discuss the progression of the disease process and how it affects the duration of antibiotic therapy and the indications for planned surgical debridement. Early recognition of osteomyelitis of the temporal bone, combined with the aggressive use of long-term antibiotic therapy, in addition to planned surgical debridement, will reduce morbidity and potential mortality.