Isolated Traumatic Dislocation of the Malleus into the External Auditory Canal

Ear Nose Throat J. 2023 Nov;102(11):742-745. doi: 10.1177/01455613211026529. Epub 2021 Jun 30.

Abstract

We report a rare case of isolated malleus dislocation into the external auditory canal with lateralized intact tympanic membrane following a head trauma. The patient was a 63-year-old woman who presented at the outpatient department of our institute with hearing loss of 10 years' duration after a bicycle accident. During physical examination of the patient, total dislocation of the malleus-like bony structure into the external auditory canal on the right side was observed. In the computed tomography scan, an isolated malleus dislocation with intact incus-stapes articulation was identified. The patient was successfully treated with endoscopic exploratory tympanotomy and partial ossicular replacement prosthesis. The isolated malleus dislocation can rarely occur after trauma. A careful diagnostic step through history, physical examination, and temporal bone computed tomography scan are needed to confirm this rare condition.

Keywords: dislocation; hearing loss; malleus; ossiculoplasty; trauma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Ear Canal / diagnostic imaging
  • Ear Canal / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incus / diagnostic imaging
  • Incus / surgery
  • Malleus* / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Ossicular Prosthesis*
  • Stapes