Congenital depressed skull fracture in a neonate without obstetric trauma
Abstract
Congenital depressed skull fractures (ping-pong fractures) without obstetric trauma are rare. A term male neonate delivered via uncomplicated caesarean section, demonstrated a right parieto-temporal skull depression (5 cm × 5 cm) at birth. Computed tomography revealed a 4 mm parietal depression without intracranial injury. No instrumental delivery or maternal trauma were present. The likely aetiology was intrauterine compression ('faulty foetal packing'). The patient was managed conservatively with close follow-up. Contribution: This case underscores the importance of perinatal history and neuroimaging in distinguishing spontaneous from traumatic fractures and supports conservative management in neurologically intact infants.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Neonatal and fetal brain pathology
Craniofacial Disorders and Treatments
Traumatic Brain Injury and Neurovascular Disturbances
Publication details
- Journal / source
- South African Journal of Radiology
- Volume
- 30
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 3305–3305
- Publication date
- 4 February 2026
- Language
- EN