DEPRESSED FRACTURE Meaning and
Definition
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A depressed fracture is a medical term used to describe a type of bone fracture wherein a portion of the skull is pressed or pushed inward, creating a concave depression in the bone. This type of fracture commonly occurs as a result of a traumatic head injury, often from a direct blow to the head, such as in a vehicle accident, a fall, or a physical assault.
In a depressed fracture, the force applied to the skull causes the bone to buckle or depress inward, creating a visible concavity. This indentation can often be felt or seen on the surface of the skull. The severity of a depressed fracture may vary, ranging from a minor depression of the skull surface to a more significant inward displacement of bone fragments, potentially causing damage to the underlying brain tissues.
Individuals with a depressed fracture may experience various associated symptoms depending on the extent and location of the fracture. These symptoms can include localized pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, and sometimes an open wound or laceration. Depending on the severity, a depressed fracture may cause neurological symptoms including headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, seizures, changes in consciousness, or even coma.
Diagnosis of a depressed fracture typically involves a medical evaluation that may include physical examination, imaging studies such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment options can vary based on the severity and location of the fracture but may include observation, analgesic medications for pain management, surgery for elevation and fixation of the depressed bone fragments, and other interventions to address any associated brain injuries that may be present.
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• Fracture of the skull with sinking of a fragment below the level of the surrounding parts.
• A f. of the skull with sinking inward of the fragments.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DEPRESSED FRACTURE
- sepressed fracture
- xepressed fracture
- cepressed fracture
- fepressed fracture
- repressed fracture
- eepressed fracture
- dwpressed fracture
- dspressed fracture
- ddpressed fracture
- drpressed fracture
- d4pressed fracture
- d3pressed fracture
- deoressed fracture
- delressed fracture
- de-ressed fracture
- de0ressed fracture
- depeessed fracture
- depdessed fracture
- depfessed fracture
Etymology of DEPRESSED FRACTURE
The word "depressed fracture" consists of two main components: "depressed" and "fracture".
The term "depressed" in this context is derived from the Latin word "deprimere", meaning "to press down". It describes the inward displacement or sinking of a bone or a part of the skull following an injury or trauma. It is referred to as "depressed" because the bone appears sunken or depressed compared to its normal position.
The word "fracture" is derived from the Latin word "fractura", which means "a breach" or "a break". It indicates the broken or cracked state of a bone when subjected to an external force or trauma.
Therefore, when used together, the term "depressed fracture" describes a type of bone fracture where the line of damage or breakage causes an inward displacement, resulting in a sunken or depressed area on the bone surface.
