Experience with extradural haematomas in New South Wales

A retrospective study of 126 patients with extradural haematomas was made to determine whether their outcome could be modified by alteration of their management. Poor outcome occurred in those over 65 years of age, in motor smash victims, in those with fixed pupils, in those with major associated injuries or those comatose on hospital admission. The detection of skull fracture or of a lucid interval was not prognostically useful. A graduation in mortality according to the type of hospital was present but did not reach statistical significance. Failure to correct shock and delay in instituting definitive treatment were the major preventable factors which could be modified to improve outcome.