Cranial surgery
Elevation of Depressed Skull Fractures
Lifting an inwardly displaced piece of skull off the brain.
Overview
When trauma drives a fragment of skull inward, it can compress the brain and tear the underlying covering. Elevation restores the contour of the skull and reduces the risk of seizure and infection.
What it treats
- Depressed fractures with neurological deficit
- Open or contaminated depressed fractures
- Cosmetically significant depression
How it is performed
Under general anaesthesia, the scalp is opened over the fracture; the depressed fragments are elevated, irrigated and repaired or replaced with fixation.
Recovery
Hospital stay is typically two to four days for an isolated fracture. Antibiotics and a short course of anti-seizure medication may be advised.
When to see a specialist
If you or your GP think this procedure may be relevant, request a consultation. Bring any imaging and a referral letter if you have one.
Request an appointment