The natural history of an untreated growing skull fracture: an unusual case

Abstract

Background: An uncommon complication of fractures of the skull is a growing skull fracture (GSF), which is usually seen in children less than 3 years of age. A posttraumatic GSF presenting in adolescents and adults is uncommon and may cause significant management problems.

Case description: A 16-year-old male presented with a progressively increasing scalp swelling following trauma in infancy. The diagnosis and treatment was delayed until the swelling had enlarged to enormous size with ventriculomegaly and development of seizures. The patient was managed with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

Conclusion: Untreated GSFs may cause delayed-onset neurological manifestations in addition to cranial growth asymmetry. These enormous-sized GSFs may be difficult to treat.