ABSTRACT
A fracture can be defined as an abnormal break in the continuity of a structure such as a bone produced by stress and strain. Skull fractures are most commonly caused by direct force and less commonly by indirect force such as the ring fracture to the posterior fossa caused by a fall from a height. The biomechanics of skull fractures is complex. Deformation of the skull occurs with force and if the limit of the elasticity of the skull is exceeded, then fractures will occur. Precise documentation is essential. Radiology is indicated in certain circumstances, e.g. in firearms injuries, penetrating wounds or ‘hit-and-run’ fatalities. It is especially useful in identification of foreign bodies and evidence of bony injury. The adult cranium varies in thickness with thin/weaker areas supported by the ‘buttresses’, e.g. occipital protuberance and sagittal ridge. Linear fractures occur with a broad impact such as ground contact or from a flat object.
