The presence of an irregular area of increased or overlapped bone density suggests a depressed fracture, and a tangential X-ray should be obtained.
Stereoscopic films can help localize intracranial fragments.
Cervical spine fractures may occur in association with head injury, and cervical spine films should be obtained. The presence of an intracranial hematoma can be visualized by CT scanning, which should be available where definitive neurosurgical treatment is carried out. Frequent measurement of arterial blood gases, serum electrolytes, and osmolality are of great importance in management. The University of Iowa. All rights reserved.