Description

A depressed calvarial fracture (DOF, "ping pong" parietal fracture) can occur in a newborn because of the flexibility of the cranial vault.


Causes of depressed calvarial fracture:

(1) obstetrical instrumental extraction

(2) pressure against maternal pelvic bone (maternal abdominal trauma, other)

(3) pressure against a fellow twin or triplet

(4) other

 

The prognosis is good if the neurologic exam is normal.

 

Imaging studies may be helpful if intracranial hemorrhage is suspected or the neurologic exam is abnormal.

 

The depression will often spontaneously resolve during infancy. Alternatively a vacuum can be applied using a vacuum extractor, breast pump or large syringe.


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