About Skull Fracture
Key Highlights
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Relieves pressure on the brain caused by bone fragments.Reduces the risk of brain injury and long-term neurological damage.Prevents cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and associated infections like meningitis.Repairs the structural integrity of the skull for protection.Addresses cosmetic deformities resulting from the fracture.Can be a life-saving intervention in severe traumatic brain injury cases./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Depressed skull fracture where bone fragments are pushed inward toward the brain.
- Open (compound) fracture with a break in the skin, risking infection.
- Fracture causing significant compression of brain tissue or bleeding (hematoma).
- Fracture involving the base of the skull (basilar skull fracture).
- Presence of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak from the nose or ear (rhinorrhea or otorrhea).
- Fracture associated with penetrating head trauma or foreign objects.
- Fracture causing a cosmetic deformity that requires correction.
- Neurological deterioration or signs of increased intracranial pressure.
How to prepare
- Emergency stabilization of the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).
- Detailed neurological examination and assessment of Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score.
- Imaging studies: CT scan of the head is the gold standard to evaluate fracture type, location, and brain involvement.
- Administration of antibiotics if an open fracture or CSF leak is present to prevent infection.
- Possible administration of anti-seizure medication (prophylaxis).
- Informed consent process explaining the risks, benefits, and alternatives to surgery.
- Pre-operative blood tests and evaluation by an anesthesiologist.
- Shaving of hair from the surgical site in the operating room.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection, including meningitis or brain abscess.
- Bleeding (hemorrhage) or formation of a new hematoma.
- Damage to brain tissue, leading to neurological deficits (e.g., weakness, speech problems, vision changes).
- Seizures (post-traumatic epilepsy).
- Persistent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism).
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Cosmetic issues or skull deformity.
- Need for additional surgeries.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial monitoring in an intensive care unit (ICU) or high-dependency unit to watch for neurological changes.
- Management of pain, swelling, and prevention of nausea.
- Gradual mobilization as tolerated, with assistance initially.
- Wound care: Keeping the incision site clean and dry; watching for signs of infection.
- Medications may include pain relievers, antibiotics, and possibly anti-seizure drugs.
- Avoidance of strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and contact sports for an extended period.
- Follow-up appointments with the neurosurgeon for wound checks and neurological assessment.
- Possible referral to physical, occupational, or speech therapy for rehabilitation if deficits are present.
- Gradual return to normal activities and work as approved by the medical team.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering skull fracture in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for skull fracture in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Cytecare Hospital, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform skull fracture. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for skull fracture compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 500 Thousand | 5-14 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 1.75 Million | 5-14 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months | Know More |
Top hospitals for Skull Fracture in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing skull fracture.
Ayaan Gupta, a 28-year-old software engineer...
Ayaan Gupta, a 28-year-old software engineer and avid cyclist, was training for a triathlon when he was struck by a car at an intersection. He was wearing a helmet, but the impact was severe. He arrived at the ER conscious but confused, with a deep laceration on his scalp and clear fluid draining from his nose. A CT scan revealed a complex, depressed frontal bone fracture with dural tearing, causing a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. The neurosurgical team, led by Dr. Sharma, explained that the bone fragments were pressing on his brain and the leak risked meningitis. They recommended a craniotomy to elevate the bone fragments, repair the torn dura, and seal the leak. Ayaan was terrified, not just for his life but for his cognitive function and career. The surgery lasted four hours. Post-operatively, he spent a night in the Neuro-ICU. His recovery was challenging, with headaches and fatigue, but he had no infection or neurological deficits. After six weeks of cognitive rest, he gradually returned to work. Emotionally, he shifted from sheer terror and vulnerability to profound gratitude and a new caution. He still cycles, but with even greater vigilance and a renewed appreciation for his health.
Neurosurgeons for Skull Fracture
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform skull fracture and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 22 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada