SPREADING SKULL FRACTURES IN CHILDREN - A REPORT OF 2 CASES

Two cases of spreading skull fracture in infants aged four and 12 mont hs, respectively, are: reported. Both patients developed a gradually i ncreasing swelling of the scalp in the wake of a head injury. Radiogra phs showed a bony defect. Herniation of brain tissue through the defec t and a porencephalic cavity were demonstrated by computed tomography. The ventricles were dilated in one of the patients. Patients younger than three years of age who have a separated skull fracture should rec eive followup physical examinations and, if needed, radiographs aimed at detecting progressive lesions at an early stage.