Surgical Outcomes in Depressed Skull Fractures: An Institutional Experience

AIMS: The aim is to study the various factors associated with depressed skull fractures (DSFs) and their relationship with outcomes in patients who underwent surgery. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study in a hospital setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty patients who underwent surgeries over a period of 6 years at our institute for DSFs were followed up and outcomes were analyzed. Patients having other medical- or trauma-related surgical morbidities were excluded. All age groups were studied. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test. RESULTS: There was a significant relationship between the mode of injury, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score at admission and discharge, and underlying brain injuries with the outcomes. The variables such as pneumocephalus, dural tears, type of fracture and site of the fracture, and age and sex distribution of the patient were not statistically influencing the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent surgery for DSFs, with good GCS at admission and discharge, with no underlying brain injury, and who did not sustain injuries in a road traffic accident had better outcomes.