Progressive osteomyelitis of the skull originating in the temporal bone is rare, and comparatively few cases have been reported. Tobey, in a review of the literature in 1926, gave disease of the ear as the etiologic factor in 53 of the 61 cases reported, with a mortality rate of 50 per cent. He further stated that the mortality rate is invariably higher in cases in which conservative treatment is employed. Because of the meager personal experience available, the physician is dependent on the literature for guidance in the treatment of this unfortunate complication. I therefore record observations, symptoms and signs from my experience with 2 cases, in the hope that the decision as to the management of my next case of progressive osteomyelitis of the skull and the conclusions on which I base that decision may be of help to others.
In analyzing the records of published cases, I find