LAUSR

AIM To characterize the sociodemographic, clinical and radiological findings of patients with depressed fractures overlying cranial dural sinuses that we have faced in our institute. In addition, to explore the indications and choices for the surgical and non-surgical management of such cases, and assess outcomes in these two treatment groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS We prospectively followed up a cohort of 34 patients with fractures over dural sinuses from January 2013 to December 2017. Twelve (35.1%) were simple depressed fractures (SDFs) and 22 (64.7 %) compound depressed fractures (CDFs). Eighteen patients (52.9%) were treated surgically, and 16 (47.1%) were treated conservatively. RESULTS The mean age was 20.8 years. Thirty-two were males (94.12%). The mean time from trauma until hospital arrival was 3.8 hours, and the mean admission Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) was 13.7. Direct trauma was the most common mode of injury. Funduscopy was performed in 16 patients (47.1%), and MRV in four patients (11.8%). Twenty-four patients (70.59%) had the fracture overlying the superior sagittal sinus (SSS). The mean length of hospital stay was five days, and the mean follow-up duration was 6.8 months. Twenty-eight patients (82.35%) had a good recovery. CONCLUSION The majority of SDFs and some CDFs overlying dural sinuses can be managed safely without major surgical intervention. Conservation should be favored when the sinus is patent, dura intact, and bone displacement is insignificant in neurologically intact patients with an apparently clean wound. Otherwise, surgery should be considered. We also propose including a venogram and fundoscopy as parts of the initial trauma work-up for these patients.