Skull fractures Flashcards
What is a linear skull frature?
Fracture transversing full thickness of skull, normally fairly straight with no displacement of bones
What is the most common cause of linear fractures?
Blunt force trauma to large area
What is the management of linearfractures?
Usually of little clinical significance as heal well
What are depressed fractures?
Comminuted fracture with bones displaced inwards
What causes depressed fractures?
Blunt trauma
What are the risks with depressed fractures?
Increased ICP
Haemorrhage
Injury to meninges
What is the management of depressed skull fractures?
Surgery
What is a basilar fracture?
Linear fracture to skull base
What is the cause of basilar fractures?
High impact injury
What are the features of basilar fractures?
BAttle's sign- bruising of mastoid processes Bilat periorbital bruising CSF/bleeding from nose/ears Blood in sinuses Associated with facial fractures
What is the management of a basilar fracture?
Surgery
What is a diastatic fracture?
Fracture involving suture, causing widening
Who are diastatic fractures more common in?
Children <3
What is a compound fracture of the skull?
Fracture associated with overlying laceration and injury to meninges
What is the most worrying complication of a compound fracture?
Infection
