A new device to treat ping-pong skull fractures: The hammer puller technique. A comparative analysis using a realistic simulation model.

Background: This study aims to describe a new surgical technique for the treatment of ping-pong skull fractures and to evaluate its efficacy in a realistic simulation model compared to the dissector elevation technique. Methods: A total of 64 fractures were obtained using 16 model units, each with four fractures (two frontal and two parietal). The hammer puller technique was applied for left-sided fractures and the dissector technique for right-sided fractures. The variables evaluated were fracture repair time, fracture volume, fracture corrected volume, and fracture correction percentage. Fractures were separated into groups according to the surgical technique used (hammer or dissector) and the bone fractured (frontal or parietal). Statistical analysis was performed with Jamovi® software (version 2.3) using Student's t-test. Results: A complete degree of fracture correction was achieved with both techniques, demonstrating a sufficient performance in the correction of the deformity. The hammer technique was shown to be faster in correcting frontal bone depressions with 20.1 ± 7.8 s compared to 31.3 ± 4.7 s for the dissector technique, P < 0.001. There was no statistically significant difference for parietal applications (P = 0.405). Conclusion: This study describes a new minimally invasive surgical technique for the treatment of ping-pong fractures. Comparative analysis showed that both techniques were equally effective but that the hammer puller technique was more efficient than the dissector elevation technique, especially for frontal bone fractures.

Fractura craneal deprimida congénita ("fractura ping-pong") en neonatos como diagnóstico diferencial de maltrato físico / Congenital depressed skull fracture ("ping-pong" fracture) in newborn infants as a differential diagnosis of physical abuse

Las fracturas con hundimiento de cráneo sin una explicación clara sobre su origen orientan al traumatismo con un objeto romo y a la sospecha de maltrato infantil. En el caso de los bebés recién nacidos, su corta edad es un factor de vulnerabilidad y obliga a una exhaustiva evaluación. Ante la sospecha de maltrato infantil, resulta importante evaluar los diagnósticos diferenciales para realizar la intervención más adecuada posible. Es necesario evitar tanto intervenciones excesivas como omitir la intervención que sea necesaria. Las fracturas craneales deprimidas congénitas, descritas como "fracturas pingpong", son raras (0,3 a 2/10 000 partos). Pueden aparecer sin antecedentes traumáticos o en partos instrumentalizados. Se describe en este artículo el caso de un recién nacido con una fractura ping-pong como ejemplo de una fractura no intencional.

Depressed skull fractures without a clear explanation as to their origin point to trauma with a blunt object and suspected child abuse. In the case of newborn infants, their young age is a vulnerability factor and requires an exhaustive assessment. When child abuse is suspected, an assessment of the differential diagnoses is required to make the most appropriate intervention possible. Both an excessive intervention and an omission of a necessary intervention should be avoided. Congenital depressed skull fractures, described as "ping-pong fractures", are rare (0.3 to 2/10 000 births). They may appear without any trauma history or in instrumentalized childbirth. Here we describe the case of a newborn infant with a ping-pong fracture as an example of an accidental fracture.

Congenital depressed skull fracture ("ping-pong" fracture) in newborn infants as a differential diagnosis of physical abuse. / Fractura craneal deprimida congénita ("fractura ping-pong") en neonatos como diagnóstico diferencial de maltrato físico.

Depressed skull fractures without a clear explanation as to their origin point to trauma with a blunt object and suspected child abuse. In the case of newborn infants, their young age is a vulnerability factor and requires an exhaustive assessment. When child abuse is suspected, an assessment of the differential diagnoses is required to make the most appropriate intervention possible. Both an excessive intervention and an omission of a necessary intervention should be avoided. Congenital depressed skull fractures, described as "ping-pong fractures", are rare (0.3 to 2/10 000 births). They may appear without any trauma history or in instrumentalized childbirth. Here we describe the case of a newborn infant with a ping-pong fracture as an example of an accidental fracture.

Las fracturas con hundimiento de cráneo sin una explicación clara sobre su origen orientan al traumatismo con un objeto romo y a la sospecha de maltrato infantil. En el caso de los bebés recién nacidos, su corta edad es un factor de vulnerabilidad y obliga a una exhaustiva evaluación. Ante la sospecha de maltrato infantil, resulta importante evaluar los diagnósticos diferenciales para realizar la intervención más adecuada posible. Es necesario evitar tanto intervenciones excesivas como omitir la intervención que sea necesaria. Las fracturas craneales deprimidas congénitas, descritas como "fracturas pingpong", son raras (0,3 a 2/10 000 partos). Pueden aparecer sin antecedentes traumáticos o en partos instrumentalizados. Se describe en este artículo el caso de un recién nacido con una fractura ping-pong como ejemplo de una fractura no intencional.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Management and Outcome of Isolated Skull Fractures in Pediatric Patients.

BACKGROUND: The impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on the pediatric population is profound. The aim of this study is to unveil the state of the evidence concerning acute neurosurgical intervention, hospitalizations after injury, and neuroimaging in isolated skull fractures (ISF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for papers until April 2023. Only ISF cases diagnosed via computed tomography were considered. RESULTS: A total of 10,350 skull fractures from 25 studies were included, of which 7228 were ISF. For the need of acute neurosurgical intervention, the meta-analysis showed a risk of 0% (95% CI: 0-0%). For hospitalization after injury the calculated risk was 78% (95% CI: 66-89%). Finally, for the requirement of repeated neuroimaging the analysis revealed a rate of 7% (95% CI: 0-15%). No deaths were reported in any of the 25 studies. CONCLUSIONS: Out of 7228 children with ISF, an almost negligible number required immediate neurosurgical interventions, yet a significant 74% were hospitalized for up to 72 h. Notably, the mortality was zero, and repeat neuroimaging was uncommon. This research is crucial in shedding light on the outcomes and implications of pediatric TBIs concerning ISFs.

Characterizing the frequency, morbidity, and types of traumatic brain injuries after the Mexico-San Diego border wall extension: a retrospective cohort review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the US-Mexico border wall height extension on traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and related costs. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, patients who presented to the UC San Diego Health Trauma Center for injuries from falling at the border wall between 2016 and 2021 were considered. Patients in the pre-height extension period (January 2016-May 2018) were compared with those in the post-height extension period (January 2020-December 2021). Demographic characteristics, clinical data, and hospital charges were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 383 patients were identified: 51 (0 TBIs, 68.6% male) in the pre-height extension cohort and 332 (14 TBIs, 77.1% male) in the post-height extension cohort, with mean ages of 33.5 and 31.5 years, respectively. There was an increase in the average number of TBIs per month (0.0 to 0.34) and operative TBIs per month (0.0 to 0.12). TBIs were associated with increased Injury Severity Score (8.8 vs 24.2, p < 0.001), median (IQR) hospital length of stay (5.0 [2-11] vs 8.5 [4-45] days, p = 0.03), and median (IQR) hospital charges ($163,490 [$86,369-$277,918] vs $243,658 [$136,769-$1,127,920], p = 0.04). TBIs were normalized for changing migration rates on the basis of Customs and Border Protection apprehensions. CONCLUSIONS: This heightened risk of intracranial injury among vulnerable immigrant populations poses ethical and economic concerns to be addressed regarding border wall infrastructure.

Reconstruction of depressed skull fracture in school patients. Technique description.

OBJECTIVE: Depressed skull fractures are the result of trauma injuries. They are present in approximately 3% of patients who arrive to an emergency room with skull trauma. The main objective of surgical repair in depressed fractures is correction of cosmetic deformity and the prevention of infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective and transversal study was performed by our department between April 2016 and May 2017. Sixteen patients that underwent a craniotomy for skull trauma with depressed fracture were included in the study. The diagnosis was made by simple cranial CT scan alongside a three-dimensional reconstruction. RESULTS: Of the sixteen patients included, 5 were females (31.2%) and 11 males (68.8%). Twelve of the cases were an exposed fracture. In 7 cases, the fracture was located at parietal bone; 5 were located at frontal bone and 4 at the temporal bone. The average Glasgow coma score in the sample was 13. There were no complications nor deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The remodeling and repositioning of the autologous bone graft allow an adequate cosmetic result and it also avoids the placement of implants without increasing the costs and additional risks.

OBJETIVO: las fracturas de cráneo deprimidas son el resultado de lesiones traumáticas. Se encuentran en aproximadamente el 3% de los pacientes que se presentan en salas de emergencia con traumatismo craneal. El objetivo principal de la reparación quirúrgica en fracturas deprimidas es la corrección de la deformidad cosmética y la prevención de infecciones. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo y transversal en nuestro departamento entre abril de 2016 y mayo de 2017. Se incluyeron 16 pacientes que se sometieron a una craneotomía por traumatismo craneal y fractura deprimida. El diagnóstico se realizó mediante tomografía computarizada craneal simple con reconstrucción 3D. RESULTADOS: se incluyeron 16 pacientes, 5 casos femeninos (31,2%) y 11 masculinos (68,8%). En 12 casos se observó fractura expuesta. En 7 casos la fractura se localizó en el hueso parietal; 5 casos en el hueso frontal y 4 casos en hueso temporal. El puntaje promedio en la Escala de Coma de Glasgow fue 13. No hubo complicaciones o muertes. CONCLUSIONES: la remodelación y el reposicionamiento del injerto óseo autólogo permite un resultado cosmético adecuado evitando la colocación de implantes sin aumentar los costos y riesgos adicionales.

Fractura con hundimiento de cráneo intrauterina espontánea: reporte de dos casos / Spontaneous intrauterine depressed skull fracture: report of two cases

Las fracturas con hundimiento de cráneo intrauterinas representan una entidad poco frecuente, generalmente secundaria a traumatismos (previos o durante el nacimiento) o de etiología desconocida. Suelen requerir evaluación y seguimiento por el servicio de Neurocirugía Pediátrica. A la fecha, es controversial la necesidad de tratamiento quirúrgico y el momento oportuno para concretarlo. Se presentan dos casos clínicos de pacientes de término, nacidas porcesárea,condiagnósticoposnatalinmediatodehundimiento de cráneo de tipo ping-pong no traumático. Ambas pacientes presentaron examen neurológico normal. Se confirmó el diagnóstico a través de radiografía y tomografía de cráneo, sin observarse lesiones asociadas. Fueron valoradas por el servicio de Neurocirugía, que indicó corrección quirúrgica de la lesión en ambos casos, con buena evolución posterior.

Spontaneous intrauterine depressed skull fractures are a rare entity. They can appear secondarily to head trauma (before or during birth) or due to unknown etiology. They usually require a complete evaluation from pediatric neurosurgery specialists. Their optimal management, including timely surgical treatment remains controversial. We describe two cases delivered by cesarean section, with postnatal diagnosis of spontaneous intrauterine depressed skull fracture. Both had a normal neurological exam. A skull radiography and head CT were performed, and no associated lesions were found. Both cases required surgical correction, with positive results.

[Spontaneous intrauterine depressed skull fracture: report of two cases]. / Fractura con hundimiento de cráneo intrauterina espontánea: reporte de dos casos.

Spontaneous intrauterine depressed skull fractures are a rare entity. They can appear secondarily to head trauma (before or during birth) or due to unknown etiology. They usually require a complete evaluation from pediatric neurosurgery specialists. Their optimal management, including timely surgical treatment remains controversial. We describe two cases delivered by cesarean section, with postnatal diagnosis of spontaneous intrauterine depressed skull fracture. Both had a normal neurological exam. A skull radiography and head CT were performed, and no associated lesions were found. Both cases required surgical correction, with positive results.

Las fracturas con hundimiento de cráneo intrauterinas representan una entidad poco frecuente, generalmente secundaria a traumatismos (previos o durante el nacimiento) o de etiología desconocida. Suelen requerir evaluación y seguimiento por el servicio de Neurocirugía Pediátrica. A la fecha, es controversial la necesidad de tratamiento quirúrgico y el momento oportuno para concretarlo. Se presentan dos casos clínicos de pacientes de término, nacidas por cesárea, con diagnóstico posnatal inmediato de hundimiento de cráneo de tipo ping-pong no traumático. Ambas pacientes presentaron examen neurológico normal. Se confirmó el diagnóstico a través de radiografía y tomografía de cráneo, sin observarse lesiones asociadas. Fueron valoradas por el servicio de Neurocirugía, que indicó corrección quirúrgica de la lesión en ambos casos, con buena evolución posterior.

Observational study of patients with occipital condyle fracture at a brazilian referral trauma center / Estudo observacional de pacientes com fratura de côndilo ocipital em centro de referência em trauma no brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the clinical-epidemiological characteristics, treatment, and evolution of patients with occipital condyle fracture (OCF) at one of the largest referral trauma centers in Latin America. Methods: this was a retrospective observational study of OCF identified from trauma cases admitted between December 2011 and December 2019 by the neurosurgery team at a Type 3 trauma center. Results: a total of twenty-eight occipital condyle fractures were identified in twenty-six patients. The incidence was less than 0.2% per year and more common in male patients (4:1 ratio) involved in traffic accidents. The mean age was 42.08 years. Anderson and Montesano type II and Tuli type 1 were the most frequent (67.9% and 89.3%, respectively) and no case presented C0-C1-C2 instability. All patients were treated with a cervical collar for 3 to 6 months. About 65% of the patients exhibited good progression (Glasgow Outcome Scale equal to 4), and the severity of traumatic brain injury was the main determinant for negative outcomes. Conclusion: the findings of this study are in accordance with available literature data. The use of external stabilization with a cervical collar is reinforced for the treatment of stable lesions, even when these are bilateral. Assessment of the patients' follow-up results in the studied sample may contribute with useful information for the treatment of occipital condyle fractures.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o perfil clínico-epidemiológico, o tratamento e a evolução de pacientes com fraturas do côndilo occipital (FCO) em um dos maiores centros especializados em trauma na América Latina. Método: este é um estudo observacional retrospectivo de FCO identificadas em casos de trauma que foram atendidos no período de Dezembro de 2011 a Dezembro de 2019 pela equipe de trauma de centro de trauma Tipo 3. Resultados: um total de vinte e oito fraturas do côndilo occipital foram identificadas em 26 pacientes. A incidência foi inferior a 0.2% ao ano e mais comum em pacientes do sexo masculino (proporção 4:1) envolvidos em acidentes de trânsito. A idade média foi de 42.08 anos. O Tipo II de Anderson e Montesano e o Tipo 1 de Tuli foram os mais frequentes (67.9% e 89.3%, respectivamente) e nenhum caso teve instabilidades C0C1C2. Todos os pacientes foram tratados com colar cervical por período de 3 a 6 meses. Cerca de 65% dos pacientes apresentaram boa evolução (Escala de Resultados de Glasgow maior ou igual a 4), e a gravidade da lesão cerebral foi o principal determinante para os resultados negativos. Conclusão: os achados deste estudo são similares a dados disponíveis na literatura. O uso de colar cervical para estabilização externa é reforçado para o tratamento de lesões estáveis, mesmo quando bilaterais. A avaliação dos resultados do acompanhamento dos pacientes na amostra estudada pode contribuir com informações úteis para o tratamento de fraturas de côndilo occipital.

Lipoenxertia autóloga: uma boa opção para tratamento de deformidade facial após traumatismo craniano / Autologous fat transplantation: a good option for treatment to facial deformity after head trauma

Corrigir deformidades na face ainda é um grande desafio para o cirurgião dermatológico. As opções terapêuticas podem variar conforme a etiologia, a localização, os custos e a experiência do médico-assistente. Apesar de alguns trabalhos demonstrarem controvérsias quanto aos resultados do uso de lipoenxertia autóloga (LA) para tratamento de depressões na face, relatamos um caso com bom resultado estético, após duas sessões de LA, em paciente masculino com afundamento facial após traumatismo craniano

Correcting facial deformities is still a significant challenge for the dermatological surgeon. The therapeutic options may vary depending on the etiology, location, costs, and attending physician's experiences of the. Although some studies have shown controversies regarding the results of using autologous fat transplantation (AFT) to treat facial depression, we report a case with good aesthetic results after two sessions of AFT in a male patient with a depressed facial fracture after head trauma.

Alternativas de tratamento para reconstrução de osso frontal: uma série de casos / Treatment alternatives for frontal bone reconstruction: a series of cases

Objetivo: este artigo se propõe a discutir as diferentes modalidades de tratamento de fraturas de osso frontal, demonstradas em uma série de casos clínicos. Relato de casos: três pacientes de gênero variado e com diferentes etiologias de trauma, foram submetidos à cranioplastia, devido a fraturas das corticais externa e interna do osso frontal (além de fixação de outras fraturas de face, em dois dos casos). Nessa série, são apresentados tratamentos com uso de prótese customizada de polimetilmetacrilato, idealizada sobre um protótipo, reconstrução da bossa frontal a partir de telas de titânio e ainda redução óssea com fixação por meio de placas e parafusos. Em todos os casos apresentados, os resultados estéticos e funcionais foram satisfatórios. Considerações finais: baseado no que foi discutido, entendemos que o planejamento deve ser realizado de forma individual e a decisão por qualquer técnica vai depender da gravidade e da extensão da fratura. Para tanto, é necessária uma avaliação criteriosa do caso em questão.(AU)

Objective: This study aims to discuss the different treatment modalities of frontal bone fractures presented in a series of clinical cases. Case report: Three patients of different genders and with different trauma etiologies were subjected to cranioplasty due to fractures of the external and internal cortical of the frontal bone (besides the fixation of other facial fractures, in two of the cases). This series presents treatments using a custom polymethylmethacrylate prosthesis designed on a prototype, the reconstruction of the frontal vault from titanium meshes, and bone reduction with fixation using plates and screws. In all cases presented, the aesthetic and functional results were satisfactory. Final Considerations: The study discussions allow understanding that planning should be performed individually and the decision for any technique will depend on the severity and extent of the fracture. Therefore, a careful assessment of the case in question is required.(AU)

Fracturas frontales del macizo craneal. Reporte de un caso clínico / Frontal fractures of the cranial mass. Clinical case report

RESUMEN Las fracturas frontales del macizo craneal corresponden a una patología importante, se dan como consecuencia de traumatismos en la región superior de la cara; sus causas pueden ser diversas como: accidentes, fuertes golpes, objetos extraños, etcétera. Las clasificaciones para este tipo de traumas fueron descritas por diferentes autores, dependiendo de la parte anatómica afectada. Caso clínico donde se reporta un paciente de sexo masculino de 29 años, demostrando una depresión en el tercio superior de la cara como secuela a trauma contundente, al cual se le ofreció un tratamiento de reconstrucción ósea con polieteretercetona a la medida, para devolver su debida anatomía y funcionalidad. Finalmente se obtuvieron resultados exitosos al tratamiento. Los materiales aloplásticos realizados a la medida son una excelente alternativa para estos procedimientos, ya que proveen menor morbilidad y excelentes resultados estéticos.

ABSTRACT Frontal fractures of the cranial mass correspond to an important pathology, occurring as a result of trauma in the upper region of the face, its causes can be diverse as: accidents, strong blows, foreign objects, and so on. Classifi cations for this type of trauma were described by different authors, depending on the anatomical part affected. This clinical case reports a male patient of 29 years, demonstrating a sinking in the upper third of the face as a sequel to blunt trauma. He was offered a custom-made bone reconstruction treatment with polyetheretherketone, to restore its proper anatomy and functionality. Finally successful treatment results were obtained. Custom-made alloplastic materials are an excellent alternative to these procedures, as they provide lower morbidity and excellent aesthetic results.

Fractura evolutiva: colocación de sistema derivativo cisto-peritoneal y corrección diferida: a propósito de un caso / Growing skull fracture: positioning system cisto-peritoneal derivative and correction deferred: report of a case

Describimos el caso de una paciente femenina de 5 años de edad, con antecedente de fractura craneal asociado a trauma directo en su segundo día de vida, posteriormente se diagnostica quistes porencefálico y aracnoideo frontoparietal izquierdo a los 3 meses de edad. Fue tratada en un primer momento con la colocación de sistema derivativo cistoperitoneal, y se le realizaron estudios de imágenes de seguimiento. A los 5 años de edad es traída a consulta de nuestro servicio de neurocirugía, por presentar deformidad calvarial en la superficie frontoparietal izquierda. El seguimiento con tomografía de cráneo demostró un cese relativo en la progresión en las dimensiones del quiste porencefálico y aumento del espacio entre los bordes óseos de la fractura. La paciente fue llevada a mesa operatoria, en la cual se realizó un abordaje hemicoronal izquierdo con resección de tejido gliótico, duroplastia con pericráneo y colocación de craneoplastía con tejido óseo craneal autólogo. El seguimiento al mes de la intervención correctiva mostró evolución satisfactoria y sin complicaciones. La cirugía correctiva de la fractura evolutiva, debe realizarse en el momento del diagnóstico para evitar su expansión. En concordancia con la teoría de Moss, se observa aumento del espacio entre los bordes de la fractura, aún con la disminución de la presión intracraneal al derivar el líquido cefalorraquídeo. En este caso, la intervención correctiva de la fractura, determinó una evolución satisfactoria, en ausencia de hidrocefalia o crisis convulsiva, posiblemente debida a la presión disminuida del quiste porencefálico sobre el parénquima subyacente.

We describe the case of a female patient of five years old, with a history of a skull fracture associated with direct trauma on his second day of life, then porencephalic left frontoparietal arachnoid cysts was diagnosed at 3 months of age. She was iniatially treated by plaing cystoeritoneal derivative system and follow-up imaging studies was performed. At 5 years of age is brought to clinic in our departmen of neurosurgery, for presenting calvarial deformity in the left frontoparietal area. The follow-p scan of the head showed a cease progression relative dimensions porencephalic cyst an increased space between the bone edges of the fracture. The patient was transferred to operating table, on which a hemicoronal left gliotico approach with resection of tissue was performed with dural graft placement craneoplasty bone tissue. Monitoring the month showed satisfactory corrective intervention and hassle evolution was performed with dural graft placement craneoplasty scalp and skull with autologous bone tissue. Corrective surgery of evolutionary fracture should be performed at the time of diagnosis to prevent its expansion. In agreement with the Moss theory, increasing the space between the edges of the fracture even with decreasing intracranial pressure deriving the cerebrospinal fluid was observed. In this case corrective intervention of the fracture produced a satisfactory outcome in the absence of hydrocephalus or seizure, possibly due to decreased pressure of porencephalic cyst on the underlying parenchyma.

Fractura - hundimiento craneal congénita: una realidad obstétrica / Congenital depressed skull fracture: an obstetric reality

Las fracturas craneales congénitas tienen baja incidencia, de una etiología desconocida, generando una gran alarma respecto a la actuación obstétrica en el momento del parto. Se presenta el diagnóstico, exploración radiológica y evolución clínica de dos recién nacidos con fractura-hundimiento craneal intrauterina, uno de ellos con manejo expectante y el otro con manejo quirúrgico. Ambos con buena evolución posterior y sin secuelas neurológicas ni estéticas.

The congenital skull fractures presented a low incidence, unknown aetiology, and it causes great alarm as far as the obstetric actions to be taken at birth are concerned. This work presents the diagnosis, radiology examinations and clinical evolution of two live-born infants with an intrauterine depressed skull fracture, one with expectant management and the other with surgical management. Both neonates showed good subsequent evolution with no neurological and no aesthetic sequelae.

Traumatic brain injury due to bull assault in a girl: a case report.

ABSTRACT: Traumatic brain injury is a common condition in the emergency services, affecting the pediatric and adult population significantly. Patterns of head injury as well as management principles in children are important differences compared to adults. Traumatic brain injury by bull rush is usually seen in adults but has not been described in children-report a pediatric cranial trauma present bull rush, which to our knowledge is the first report in the literature of this nature.

Fractura compuesta de cráneo: reporte de casos y revisión de la literatura / Compound fracture of skull: case report and literature review

Introducción: Las fracturas son generalmente clasificados como simples (cerrada) o compuesta (abierta). En el caso de las fracturas de cráneo, pueden ser fracturas lineales, elevados, o triturado con la depresión. Fractura de cráneo compuesta rara vez se ha reportado en la literatura médica y cursa con una alta morbilidad y mortalidad. Los autores presentan seis casos de fracturas múltiples del cráneo, hablan sobre el tratamiento y pronóstico. Pacientes y métodos: Se analizaron seis casos de fractura compuesta del cráneo. Analizado por sexo, causa, localización, diagnóstico, tratamiento y pronóstico. Resultados: El sexo 5M / 1F. La edad media fue de 22 a. Las causas fueron: tres por agresión física, dos por accidente de coche y uno por explosión de neumático. Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a TC. GCS medio al ingreso fue de 8. El tratamiento quirúrgico fue instituido en todos los casos. Tres pacientes desarrollaron infecciones (meningitis 2, empiema 1). Las secuelas fueron tres convulsiones, trastornos de la conducta 2. Hubo una muerte. Conclusión: La fractura compuesta del cráneo es rara y depende de la superficie del objeto y energía cinética. Las fracturas compuestas del cráneo con fragmentos de la depresión, son más frecuentes debido a la fuerza que se aplica hacia el cráneo. Su tratamiento inicial es quirúrgico y frecuentemente evoluciona con un mal pronóstico.

Introduction: Fractures are usually classified as simple (closed) or compound (open). In the case of skull fractures, they may be linear, high, or comminuted fracture with subsidence. The compound skull fracture has been rarely reported in medical literature and courses with high morbidity and mortality. The authors present six cases of compound fractures of the skull, discuss the treatment and prognosis. Patients and methods: We reviewed six cases of compound fracture of the skull. Analyzed according to gender, causes, location, diagnostic, treatment and prognosis. Results: The gender 5M / 1F. The mean age was 22 a. The two causes were physical aggression 3, car accident 2 and explosion of a tire 1. All patients underwent CT. Average score on ECG in admission 8. Surgical treatment was instituted all cases. Sequels were seizures 3 and behavioral disorders 2. There is one death. Conclusion: The compound fracture of the skull is rare and depends on the surface of blunt object and kinetic energy. The compound skull fractures with fragments of depression are more common, due to the force that is applied toward the skull. The initial treatment is surgical, and usually evolves with poor prognosis.

Profilaxis con antibióticos en fracturas de base de cráneo: ¿tiene justificación esa conducta?

Se realizó un estudio de 380 pacientes con fractura de la base del cráneo y a 71 de ellos (18,7 %) se les administraron antibióticos como profilaxis de la meningoencefalitis y a 309 (81,3 %) no se les suministraron estos agentes. Se evaluó la relación entre uso profiláctico o terapéutico de antimicrobianos, localización de la fractura, lesiones asociadas, complicaciones sépticas, edad y sexo, con la aparición de meningoencefalitis. Desarrollaron infección del sistema nervioso central 7 pacientes (1,8 %), 3 de ellos (4,2 %) entre los que recibieron profilaxis y 4 (1,3 %) entre los que no la recibieron. Se probó que la presencia de meningoencefalitis estaba asociada con el tipo de complicaciones sépticas que además pudieron tener los pacientes, así como al uso de antibióticos como terapéutica de éstas en análisis bivariado, lo que no se corroboró en el multivariado. Se concluye que el empleo de antibióticos profilácticos en estos pacientes no tiene justificación, lo que convierte a esta conducta en una práctica negativa desde el punto de vista médico y económico.

A study of 380 patients with basilar skull fracture was performed. 71 (18.7 %) of these patients were given antibiotic prophylaxis for meningoencephalitis and 309 (81.3 %) were not. The relation of prophylactic or therapeutical use of antimicrobial agents, fracture location, associated injures, septic complications, age and sex to the meningoencephalitis coming out was evaluated. 7 patients (1.8 %) developed infections of the central nervous system, 3 (4.2 %) had been treated with antibiotics and 4 (1.3 %) had not. The bivariate analysis proved that the meningoencephalitis was linked to the type of septic complications that might affect patients as well as the therapeutical use of antibiotics to eliminate them but the multivariate analysis did not demonstrate so. It is concluded that the use of the antibiotic prophylaxis in these patients is not substantiated which turns this method into a negative practice from the medical and economic points of view.