Skull fracture

Alternative names:

basilar skull fracture; depressed skull fracture; fracture - skull; linear skull fracture

Definition:

A fracture or break in the cranial (skull) bones. See also concussion.

Considerations:

Skull fractures may occur with head injuries. Although the skull is both tough and resilient and provides excellent protection for the brain, a severe impact or blow can result in fracture of the skull and may be accompanied by injury to the brain.

A simple fracture is a break in the bone without damage to the skin.

A linear skull fracture is a break in a cranial bone resembling a thin line, without splintering, depression, or distortion of bone.

A depressed skull fracture is a break in a cranial bone (or "crushed" portion of skull) with depression of the bone in toward the brain.

A compound fracture involves a break in or loss of skin and splintering of the bone.

Common causes:

Head trauma

Frequent causes of such injuries in children include falls, automobile accidents, physical assault, and sports.

Update Date: 10/08/99

Updated by: adam.com editorial