[Occult fractures of the skull]

Fractures of the skull represent a problem in traumatologic X-ray-diagnosis. The higher rate of errors in the skull compared with the rest of the skeleton result from problems in differentiation of fracture-lines from vascular channels and impressions in overlying skeletal structures. By special examination of the suspected region (special X-ray-views, conventional tomography, CT, magnification views etc.) additional information can be obtained, e.g., exact demonstration of dislocated bone fragments or the detection of intracranial hematomas as well as the unmasking of the fracture lines and their dimensions. Very often these special procedures results are the basis for correct treatment. For various skull regions, where masked fractures often occur, recommended radiological pathways are presented in order to find these fractures and to obtain additional information.