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.

Use of Vacuum-suction in Depressed Skull Fractures ­ Case Report and Technical Nuances of Nonoperative Treatment

Up to 20% of victims from skull fractures are represented by the pediatric population, and 50% of these lesions are depressed skull fractures. The treatment is multimodal in nature, ranging from conservative treatment to open surgical repair. The last one is associated, although in a small proportion, to complications, such as infections, hematomas and even death, besides the risks of the anesthetic procedure itself. The authors of the present article present a case report of the successful treatment of a depressed skull fracture in a newborn patient, using the vacuum-suction technique. The use of vacuum-suction may be beneficial for the pediatric patients, as it is a quick, non-invasive procedure, without the need for general anesthesia.

Early surgery does not seem to be a pivotal criterion to improve prognosis in patients with frontal depressed skull fractures.

INTRODUCTION: There has been much debate about the ideal timing of surgery of frontal depressed skull fractures (DSF). In this paper, we assess whether timing of surgery may have influenced outcome. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of 40 consecutive patients with frontal DSF who underwent surgical treatment over a 36-month period. The patients were divided into early surgery group (ESG) which were operated within 24 h and delayed surgery group (DSG). RESULTS: The population comprised 39 (97.50%) men and the mean age was 27.9 years (range, 2-81 yr). There was no difference of age (P = 0.53), gender male (P = 1.00), presence of focal lesion on head CT (P = 0.89), hypotension (P = 0.28), and hypoxia (P = 0.15). Mean Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was significantly lower in patients of ESG than DSG (8.75 and 11.7, resp., P = 0.02). There was no difference between the groups in relation to death (P = 0.13), unfavourable outcome (P = 0.41), late posttraumatic epilepsy (P = 0.64), and smell-and-taste disturbances (P = 1.00). Only one patient (3.5%) evolved meningitis during follow-up. CONCLUSION: We found no difference between the ESG and DSG in respect to death, unfavourable outcome, LPE, and STD.

Ping pong fractures: treatment using a new medical device.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the use of a new medical device to elevate depressed skull fractures (DSFs) in newborns and minor infants. METHODS: Nine patients (ranging from 1 day to 9 months of age) with simple DSF underwent skull elevation by a new elevator medical device. This medical device comprises two elements: a pediatric resuscitator (CPR mask) connected to a 50-ml syringe. Pediatric CPR face mask is placed on the depressed region and negative pressure is generated through syringe plunger elevation until fracture reduction is observed. RESULTS: Fracture reduction was confirmed in eight of nine patients by computed tomography scan without underlying brain damage and associated complications. Skull asymmetry was eliminated recovering normal shape. Up to now, there are no neurological concerns. Another treatment was chosen to be applied for one patient who did not respond to manipulation. CONCLUSION: The new device is a safe, affordable, and effective choice in the treatment of simple depressed skull fractures in newborns and minor infants.