title: Lightning injury of the tympanic membrane.
abstract: Lightning injury to the ear is known, but specific reports are lacking. Four patients with tympanic membrane perforations who were managed surgically are reported. Their presentations, evaluations, intraoperative findings, and outcomes are discussed as they relate to the proposed pathogenic mechanisms. The authors' standard wide exposure tympanoplasty approach with two layer tympanic membrane repair is described. The added steps in performing this procedure may be necessary to ensure a good result in this unique group of patients.
authors.affiliation: Ear Research Foundation, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Silverstein
authors.forename: T O
authors.initials: TO
authors.lastname: Willcox
authors.forename: S I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015168:Lightning Injuries; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018058:Tympanic Membrane Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D014433:Tympanoplasty / Q000379:methods