The Outcome of Various Methods of Surgical Reconstruction of Depressed Skull Fractures

Depressed Fractures are of the commonest conditions seen in Head injuries; its incidence is unknown, but it is seen most commonly in Assault by hard objects and Road Traffic Accidents (8) and other high momentum collisions with the skull. Parietal bone is the most commonly fractured, followed by Temporal, Occipital and Frontal bones (1,8) They are classified mainly as Simple (Closed) or Compound (Open). Depressed fractures can be managed conservatively (2,3) but surgical intervention is needed if the depression is greater than calvarium thickness (1,2,8) or the fracture is over the Superior Sagittal Sinus, or risk infection from external debris. (4,6) Depressed Fractures when associated with underlying intracranial pathology (Mostly Haematoma or contusions) (1,2,8) require surgical elevation and management of other complications.

Elevation and debridement is recommended as the surgical method of choice. All management strategies for compound depressed fractures should include antibiotics. (1,2,8) Paediatric populations have better outcome (3,7) due to possibility for future remodelling and cranial growth.

Safe and effective surgical techniques to elevate Depressed fractures include craniotomy, surgical elevation with primary replacement of bone fragments in place, elevation through a burr hole at the periphery, fixation of bone fragments with miniplates, or fixation of bone fragments with vicryl sutures.

However, no available studies signify a preferable approach to depressed fractures or outcome of different methods. So, our study will try to identify and establish a significant treatment plan and preferable approach.

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• Inclusion criteria:

• Any patient of both sexes admitted to Trauma unit with total coverage of 1 year.
• Patients with Surgically indicated Depressed Skull Fractures
• Exclusion criteria:

• Patients with congenital causes of depressed fractures 2. Patients with Old trauma (1 month or more). 3. Patients with Severe Polytrauma, and no evident Neurosurgical emergency. 3. Patients that need ICU/ CCU admission. 4. Patients with Expressed Fractures.