A non-depressed skull fracture is a medical term used to describe a type of injury to the cranial bones where there is a break or crack in the skull, but without any displacement or depression of the fractured bone. It refers to a relatively mild form of skull fracture, where the integrity of the skull remains intact without any visible sinking or inward collapse of the bone.
In this type of fracture, the outer layer of the skull, called the calvaria, remains unbroken or unaffected, while the inner layer, known as the diploe, may display a crack or fracture line. Non-depressed skull fractures typically occur due to a direct impact to the head, such as from a fall, motor vehicle accident, or sports-related injury.
Unlike depressed skull fractures, where broken bone fragments can penetrate into the brain, causing neurological complications, non-depressed fractures generally pose fewer immediate risks to brain tissue. However, it is important to note that even non-depressed fractures can have associated symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, nausea, bruising, or bleeding, signaling potential underlying brain damage.
Medical evaluation and diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or CT scans, are typically recommended to assess the severity and extent of the fracture, as well as to evaluate for potential brain injury. Treatment for non-depressed skull fractures may involve observation, pain management, and close monitoring for any neurological changes or worsening symptoms. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address associated complications or to prevent further damage.
