[The traumatic amputation of the forearm complicated by pneumocephalus]

The case of 37-year old man is reported who had traumatic amputation of the right forearm together with brachial plexus and cervical roots and third right rib fracture without pneumothorax. Due to a large damage of the limb replantation was dropped and only surgical elaboration of the wound was made. A few hours after the operation, dyspnoe and headache appeared. New x-ray picture showed right pneumothorax and pneumocephalus with continuing air shadow in cervical vertebral canal. In our opinion the air from pleura might go through cervical intramuscular space to the holes in dura after avulsed roots causing pneumocephalus.