Occurrence, types and severity of associated injuries of paediatric patients with fractures of the frontal skull base.

OBJECTIVES

To clarify the occurrence, sites, and types of associated injuries in paediatric patients with fractures of the anterior skull base.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of files of 49 patients aged up to 18 years.

RESULTS

Associated injuries were observed in 91.8% of the patients. Observed most frequently were fractures of the skull vault (85.7%), brain injury (59.2%), facial fracture (42.9%), lung contusion (18.4%) and fractures of the upper extremities (14.3%). Multiple injuries were observed in 55.1% and polytrauma in 42.9%. The mortality rate was 10.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Paediatric patients with fractures of the anterior skull base frequently present with associated injuries, with many having, multiple associated injuries including polytrauma. These patients should be treated in multidisciplinary trauma units.