A depressed skull fracture is a severe head injury where part of the skull is sunken in due to trauma. This type of fracture can be life-threatening, especially in infants, due to the risk of brain damage and infection. I am Dr. Mustafa Chandshah, a neurosurgeon practicing at KIMS Hubli, North Karnataka. In this blog, I will share a critical case of a 1-year-old baby with a depressed skull fracture that had become infected, requiring urgent surgical intervention.
Case Presentation
A 1-year-old infant was brought to KIMS Hubli with a history of head trauma. The baby had swelling over the head, signs of infection, and neurological symptoms, indicating a serious condition. A CT scan confirmed a depressed skull fracture with an underlying infection, making immediate surgery essential.
 |  |
| Before Surgery | After Surgery |
Challenges in Management
Managing such a case in an infant presents multiple challenges:
Increased risk of brain damage due to the soft skull.
Infection complicating the healing process.
The need for precise surgical intervention to avoid further complications.
Given the criticality, our neurosurgical team at KIMS Hubli decided to proceed with emergency surgery.
Surgical Intervention
The procedure involved:
Careful removal of infected tissue.
Elevation of the depressed skull fragment.
Proper decontamination and reconstruction to ensure long-term recovery.
The surgery was successfully performed, and the baby was closely monitored postoperatively.
Postoperative Care & Recovery
After surgery, the infant showed significant improvement. Postoperative antibiotics were administered to prevent reinfection, and regular follow-ups were conducted. The baby made a remarkable recovery, with no neurological deficits.
Conclusion
This case highlights the importance of timely neurosurgical intervention in managing depressed skull fractures, especially in infants. As a neurosurgeon in Hubli, North Karnataka, I emphasize the need for parents to seek immediate medical attention in case of head injuries. If you have any concerns about head trauma or neurosurgical conditions, feel free to contact me.
Contact Dr. Mustafa Chandshah, Neurosurgeon, KIMS Hubli, North Karnataka.