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Published on: February 29, 2020
Unusual Complication of a Neglected Growing Skull Fracture
Akshay Vijay Kulkarni1, Priyadarshi Dikshit2, B Indira Devi3
1Department of Neurosurgery, National institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India.
Insights
A neglected growing skull fracture (GSF) in a child led to a large cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection. Surgical repair with duroplasty and cranioplasty resulted in a good outcome for this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurosurgery
- Traumatic brain injury complications
Background:
- Growing skull fracture (GSF) is a rare complication following pediatric head trauma.
- It results from a skull defect, dural tear, and pressure changes, potentially causing neurological deficits.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old presented with sudden, diffuse head swelling after a prior untreated infantile head injury.
- CT revealed a bony defect with CSF collection in the subgaleal space.
Findings:
- The patient had a neglected GSF with a significant subgaleal cerebrospinal fluid collection.
- Surgical intervention included exploration, duroplasty, and cranioplasty.
Implications:
- Untreated GSF can lead to rupture and extensive CSF accumulation.
- Prompt surgical management involving dural repair and cranioplasty is crucial for favorable outcomes in GSF cases.
Introduction:
The growing skull fracture (GSF) is a rare complication seen after head injury in infants and young children. It occurs due to a wide skull defect with underlying dural defect and changes in pressure gradients within skull cavity. Neglected cases may develop progressive neurological deficits and complications after second head trauma. Case Discussion: We present a 14-year-old child who developed sudden-onset, diffuse, soft, fluctuant, circumferential swelling of the head after a road traffic accident. He had sustained a head injury at the age of 3-months leading to an asymptomatic soft swelling over the skull which was left untreated. Present CT scan of the brain showed a bony defect with ragged edges and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection in subgaleal space circumferentially. He underwent exploration, duroplasty, and cranioplasty and had a good outcome.
Conclusion:
Neglected GSF can rupture and cause diffuse subgaleal CSF collection. It should be managed with dural repair and cranioplasty.
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