Learn about Depressed Skull Fracture Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Depressed Skull Fracture and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Depressed Skull Fracture

A depressed skull fracture is a serious neurosurgical condition where a segment of the skull bone is broken and pushed inward toward the brain. This procedure, performed by a neurosurgeon, involves surgically elevating the depressed bone fragments to relieve pressure on the underlying brain tissue, repair any associated dural tears, and remove bone fragments or foreign objects. The primary goals are to prevent infection, such as meningitis or brain abscess, stop cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and alleviate compression that can cause neurological deficits or seizures. Modern techniques often utilize titanium plates or mesh for reconstruction, ensuring both functional restoration and cosmetic outcome. Timely intervention is crucial to minimize long-term neurological damage.

Key Highlights

    Relieves direct pressure on the brain, preventing further neurological injury.Reduces the risk of life-threatening infections like meningitis or brain abscess.Repairs dural tears to stop cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.Removes bone fragments and foreign bodies that could cause ongoing damage.Restores the skull's structural integrity and cosmetic appearance.Helps prevent the development of post-traumatic epilepsy./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Fracture depression greater than the thickness of the skull bone (typically >1 cm).
  • Associated neurological deficit (e.g., weakness, speech difficulty) due to brain compression.
  • Evidence of dural tear with or without cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.
  • Significant cosmetic deformity requiring correction.
  • Open (compound) fracture with contamination risk or visible brain tissue.
  • Fracture over a major venous sinus causing compression or risk of hemorrhage.
  • Presence of intracranial hematoma (blood clot) beneath the fracture site.
  • Persistent, severe headache or signs of elevated intracranial pressure.

How to prepare

  • Emergency stabilization: Ensure airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs) are secure.
  • Comprehensive imaging: A CT scan of the head is essential to assess fracture depth, bone fragment location, and any associated brain injury or hematoma.
  • Neurological assessment: A detailed exam to establish a baseline of brain function.
  • Medication review: Discontinuation of blood thinners (anticoagulants/antiplatelets) if possible.
  • Informed consent: Detailed discussion of the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives.
  • Pre-operative antibiotics: Administered to reduce infection risk, especially for open fractures.
  • NPO (Nothing by Mouth): Patient must fast for several hours before surgery.

Risks & possible complications

  • Infection: Including meningitis, encephalitis, wound infection, or bone flap infection (osteomyelitis).
  • Bleeding: Intracranial hemorrhage or hematoma formation.
  • Neurological worsening: New or increased weakness, speech problems, vision changes, or seizures.
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leak: Persistent leakage requiring further treatment.
  • Blood clot formation: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
  • Cosmetic issues: Skull contour irregularity or visible scarring.
  • Allergic reaction to anesthesia or implant materials.
  • Need for additional surgery in the future.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial monitoring in a Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for 24-48 hours to watch for bleeding or swelling.
  • Pain management with prescribed medications.
  • Head elevation to reduce swelling.
  • Strict wound care: Keeping the incision site clean and dry; watching for signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge).
  • Activity restrictions: Avoiding strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and contact sports for several weeks to months.
  • Gradual return to normal activities as approved by the neurosurgeon.
  • Follow-up appointments for suture removal, imaging (CT scan), and neurological assessment.
  • Possible referral to physical, occupational, or speech therapy for rehabilitation if deficits are present.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering depressed skull fracture in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for depressed skull fracture compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 1,632 – USD 5,438 5-10 days ~ 6-12 weeks Know More
Turkey USD 12,079 – USD 40,263 5-10 days ~ 6-12 weeks Know More

Top hospitals for Depressed Skull Fracture in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing depressed skull fracture.

Cytecare Hospital

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon48 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

  • IconBhubaneshwar, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad

  • IconGhaziabad, India
  • Icon43 Doctors

SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon71 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon145 Doctors

Medanta The Medicity

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon900 Doctors

Nanavati Max Hospital

  • IconMumbai, India
  • Icon187 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

  • IconHyderabad, India
  • Icon67 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

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At my age, you worry about being a bother. Dr. Narayanamurthy never made me feel that way. He explained my medication changes slowly, and his manner was very calming. The clinic at MGM was busy, but he took his time.

Neurosurgeons for Depressed Skull Fracture

Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform depressed skull fracture and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Paraneetharan M
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

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Dr. Harisha P N
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

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Dr. Anmol Nagaraj
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

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Dr. Lakshman I Kongwad
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

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Dr. Harish
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

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Dr. Vybhav Raghu
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

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Dr. Veeresha U Mathad
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

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Dr. Ajay Hegde
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

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Dr. Abhishek H R
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

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Dr. Harsha Hegde
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

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Dr. Paritosh Pandey
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield

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Dr. Bopanna Km
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

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Dr. Paritosh Pandey
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

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Dr. Sathwik R Shetty
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

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Dr. Praveen Ganigi
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

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Dr. Arun Bhandari
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala

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Dr. Jaskaran Singh
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala

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Dr. Maqsood Ahmed Abdul Rahman
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore

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Dr. Sudheer Kumar Gundamaneni
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada

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Dr. Vuppu Ravi Kanth
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada

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