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[Recurring post-traumatic growing skull fracture]
Isabel San Martín-García1, Sergio Aguilera-Albesa, Idoya Zazpe-Cenoz
1Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra , Pamplona, Espana.
Revista De Neurologia
|April 11, 2015
Summary
Growing skull fractures are rare in children under 3 after head trauma. Persistent cephalohaematoma warrants suspicion and surgical repair to prevent recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurosurgery
- Traumatic brain injury management
- Skull fracture complications
Background:
- Growing skull fracture (GSF), also known as post-traumatic bone absorption or leptomeningeal cyst, is a rare complication of traumatic brain injuries.
- GSF predominantly affects children under 3 years of age.
Observation:
- A 6-month-old infant presented with a persistent cephalohaematoma two months after a minor head injury.
- Imaging revealed a bone defect with brain herniation, confirming a growing skull fracture.
Findings:
- Surgical repair involving cyst excision, dural closure, and bone defect reconstruction was performed.
- Recurrence of the growing fracture and fluid collection occurred post-operatively, necessitating a second surgery.
- A baby helmet was used post-second surgery to prevent recurrence.
Implications:
- Persistent cephalohaematoma in young children after head trauma should raise suspicion for growing skull fracture.
- Surgical intervention for GSF requires meticulous dural repair and cranioplasty.
- Post-operative management, including helmet use, may be crucial in preventing GSF recurrence in pediatric patients.