Citation

Mathew JE, Sharma A. Surg. Neurol. Int. 2010; 1(online): 52.

Affiliation

Department of Neurosurgery, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana - 141 008, Punjab, India.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Medknow Publishing)

DOI

10.4103/2152-7806.69379

PMID

20975970

PMCID

PMC2958324

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Head injuries following fall from height are common in developing countries due to a lack of safety standards. We describe this bizarre injury by a tile fragment penetrating the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) and its successful surgical management. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 7-year-old child presented with a tile fragment embedded in the skull, penetrating SSS. Urgent exploration and removal of the foreign body was done to prevent complications like infection and delayed development of intracranial hypertension. Although bleeding from the SSS was a problem, this was tackled by raising the head end and giving pressure with Surgicel and Gelatine sponge. This ensured a favorable outcome. CONCLUSION: Although compound depressed fractures of the SSS are managed conservatively due to the risk of fatal venous hemorrhage, the unique nature of the injury in this case warranted surgical management. This case illustrates that even in such a scenario, adherence to neurosurgical principles can ensure a good outcome.

Language: en