A depressed skull fracture is a fracture of the skull characterized by depression. It occurs when external force causes inward displacement of bone fragments at the calvaria. Depending on the extent of inward displacement of the bone fragments, there may be a risk of hemorrhage, infection, or epileptic seizures.
Treatment
Surgical elevation of the depressed skull fracture is indicated in most cases, depending on the depth and location. Conservative treatment may be considered if the depressed skull fracture is displaced by less than the thickness of the calvaria and radiological imaging shows no comminution of the inner table. In such cases, a dural or brain injury can be considered very unlikely1.
Imaging
A depressed skull fracture can be optimally visualized on CT imaging using the bone window.
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