Which fracture is typically associated with skull injuries?

• A. Depressed fracture
• B. Comminuted fracture
• C. Compression fracture
• D. Closed fracture

Answer: (A)

A skull injury from blunt impact most often produces a depressed fracture, where a portion of the skull is driven inward toward the brain by the force of the impact. This inward displacement is a hallmark feature of cranial trauma and is commonly seen on imaging as a dent or indentation of the skull. The depressed fragment can press on brain tissue, increasing the risk of contusion and intracranial bleeding, and is often accompanied by scalp lacerations.

Comminuted fractures involve multiple fragments and can occur in the skull, but they’re not as specifically tied to skull injuries as an inwardly displaced piece. Compression fractures are primarily associated with the spine from axial loading. Closed fractures mean the skin remains intact, which isn’t a defining trait of skull injuries and doesn’t distinguish this type.