Skull Fracture Types and Treatment

Bone structure that forms the head of the human skeleton called the skull. The existence of the skull are critical to protect the brain and support the structure of the face.

skull injury

In order to functioning as a protection from potential brain injury, skull-shaped cavity formed protective shell that surrounds and a safe place for the brain and brain stem. Set of bones that make up the protective brain is called the neurocranium. Besides neurocranium, skull also consists of a set of bone-forming viscerocranium or face.

All parts of the skull was then put together by an appropriate seam-like sinartrosis joints system (static joints) formed by hardening of the bones. The existence of Sharpey fiber then allows the skull has a little flexibility.

Accidents May Cause Skull Fracture

Although the skull was designed extremely good and strong, but still could potentially for injury. Injury or trauma to the skull usually can cause cracks. Due to the structure of the skull bones sturdy and solid, it will clash of the strong ones that could lead to cracking.

Typically, the skull was damaged when a motor vehicle accident or fall off from height. Another thing that also can be the cause of damage to the skull bone is a direct blow to the head.

Type of Skull Fracture

Cracks or fractures of the skull can be divided into several types. This grouping is done by looking at the power that makes the damage, the location of the injuries, and the shapes of objects that caused the damage in the head. Below is some kind of damage to the skull.

  • Closed Fracture
Damage to the skull is named so if the skin cover the cracked area did not experience a tear or causing injury becomes open.

  • Open Fracture
Unlike the closed fracture, the condition of the skull bone injury is followed by damage to the skin at the site of cracks. Called as an open fractures due to bone damage visible or appearing from skin tears.

  • Skull Base Fracture
Fractures of this type occurred in the area of the base of the skull. This area covers the area around the eyes, ears, nose, or the back of the skull which is adjacent to the spine.

  • Depression Fracture
Other damage that can happen is a depressed fracture of the skull. So named to describe the fracture fragments pushed into the cavity of the brain.

Treatment of the Skull Fracture

In handling fractures of the skull, the determination of the type of damage above becomes very crucial. In addition to the type of damage that occurs, the handling will also be determined by how severe the fracture suffered. It takes months in order to be well recovered. It also depends on the age of the patient. The younger a person who experienced it, the sooner the possibility of well recovered.

In cases when a patient who suffered skull fracture also get open wounds on the skin, then the injury usually need to be cleaned first. Cleaning an open wound need to be done to prevent infection. In addition, doctor may prescribe medicine to relieve symptoms that may arise such as pain and nausea. Surgery may also be required if a skull fracture caused part of the bone migratory or broken.


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