Professional paper
“Spontaneous” ping-pong fracture in newborns: case report and review of the literature
Fantacci Fantacci
; Department of Pediatrics Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
Domenico Capozz
; Department of Pediatrics Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
Valerio Romano
; Department of Pediatrics Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
Pietro Ferrara
; Department of Pediatrics Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
Antonio Chiaretti
; Department of Pediatrics Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
Luca Massimi
; Pediatric Neurosurgery, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
Abstract
“Ping-pong” fractures (PPF) are depressed skull fractures typical of newborns. PPF usually result from head injury and, rarely, may cause severe long-term neurological sequelae. The management of PPF is still controversial. The goal of this paper is to present a case of “spontaneous” ping-pong fracture and to review the pertinent literature of the last 20 years. We report on a newborn who presented with a “spontaneous” parietal depressed skull fracture at birth. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed the PPF and excluded brain injuries. Neurosurgical intervention was performed on day 3 with immediate lifting of the fracture; the postoperative course was uneventful.
During the last 20 years, 22 cases of “spontaneous ping-pong” fractures in newborn have been reported, with different clinical pictures and management but, generally, with a good outcome.
“Ping-pong” fractures can occur in uneventful pregnancies and after uncomplicated vaginal or cesarean deliveries. CT scan, with low-dose protocol for infants, is the gold standard examination to evaluate the fracture and any associated brain lesions. Treatment is selected according to fracture characteristics.
Keywords
ping-pong fracture; newborns; CT scan; delivery; neurosurgery
Hrčak ID:
140728
URI
Publication date:
1.4.2015.
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