Unusual Complication of a Neglected Growing Skull Fracture.

INTRODUCTION: The growing skull fracture (GSF) is a rare complication seen after head injury in infants and young children. It occurs due to a wide skull defect with underlying dural defect and changes in pressure gradients within skull cavity. Neglected cases may develop progressive neurological deficits and complications after second head trauma. Case Discussion: We present a 14-year-old child who developed sudden-onset, diffuse, soft, fluctuant, circumferential swelling of the head after a road traffic accident. He had sustained a head injury at the age of 3-months leading to an asymptomatic soft swelling over the skull which was left untreated. Present CT scan of the brain showed a bony defect with ragged edges and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection in subgaleal space circumferentially. He underwent exploration, duroplasty, and cranioplasty and had a good outcome.

CONCLUSION: Neglected GSF can rupture and cause diffuse subgaleal CSF collection. It should be managed with dural repair and cranioplasty.