Spontaneous ping-pong fracture in a full-term neonate—a case report

Abstract Background Non-traumatic depressed skull fracture in a neonate delivered by cesarean section is a rare phenomenon. The incidence reported in literature varies between 1 and 2.5 in every 10,000 live births. The skull is transformed from its normal convex shape to a more concave form due to e...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Walid Alhussin, Sukena Susnerwala
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2023-12-01
Series:Egyptian Pediatric Association Gazette
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s43054-023-00211-9
_version_ 1797388492499582976
author Walid Alhussin
Sukena Susnerwala
author_facet Walid Alhussin
Sukena Susnerwala
author_sort Walid Alhussin
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Non-traumatic depressed skull fracture in a neonate delivered by cesarean section is a rare phenomenon. The incidence reported in literature varies between 1 and 2.5 in every 10,000 live births. The skull is transformed from its normal convex shape to a more concave form due to easy malleability. This is secondary to the lack of complete ossification in the neonatal period. Hence, it is commonly known as ping-pong fracture. The clinical presentation may vary depending on the severity of the fracture and underlying parenchymal injury. Most cases reported in literature have been managed conservatively. However, surgical elevation and the use of medical devices may be advised in severe cases. Case presentation We report the presentation, course, and management of a term female neonate with a spontaneous ping-pong fracture. The neonate had no history suggestive of antenatal insult, difficult labor, or trauma due to instrumentation during delivery. The infant was thoroughly investigated for underlying parenchymal injury, observed for neurological abnormality, and managed conservatively. Conclusion Thus, ping-pong fractures or spontaneous neonatal skull fractures are rare but can be encountered in clinical practice. A thorough clinical examination and neurological assessment can aid management decisions.
first_indexed 2024-03-08T22:41:37Z
format Article
id doaj.art-9fe02b3946d04c8d8c1b230347cf21d8
institution Directory Open Access Journal
issn 2090-9942
language English
last_indexed 2024-03-08T22:41:37Z
publishDate 2023-12-01
publisher SpringerOpen
record_format Article
series Egyptian Pediatric Association Gazette
spelling doaj.art-9fe02b3946d04c8d8c1b230347cf21d82023-12-17T12:09:52ZengSpringerOpenEgyptian Pediatric Association Gazette2090-99422023-12-017111410.1186/s43054-023-00211-9Spontaneous ping-pong fracture in a full-term neonate—a case reportWalid Alhussin0Sukena Susnerwala1Department of Neonatology, Zulekha HospitalDepartment of Neonatology, Zulekha HospitalAbstract Background Non-traumatic depressed skull fracture in a neonate delivered by cesarean section is a rare phenomenon. The incidence reported in literature varies between 1 and 2.5 in every 10,000 live births. The skull is transformed from its normal convex shape to a more concave form due to easy malleability. This is secondary to the lack of complete ossification in the neonatal period. Hence, it is commonly known as ping-pong fracture. The clinical presentation may vary depending on the severity of the fracture and underlying parenchymal injury. Most cases reported in literature have been managed conservatively. However, surgical elevation and the use of medical devices may be advised in severe cases. Case presentation We report the presentation, course, and management of a term female neonate with a spontaneous ping-pong fracture. The neonate had no history suggestive of antenatal insult, difficult labor, or trauma due to instrumentation during delivery. The infant was thoroughly investigated for underlying parenchymal injury, observed for neurological abnormality, and managed conservatively. Conclusion Thus, ping-pong fractures or spontaneous neonatal skull fractures are rare but can be encountered in clinical practice. A thorough clinical examination and neurological assessment can aid management decisions.https://doi.org/10.1186/s43054-023-00211-9Ping-Pong fractureNeonatal fractureCongenital skull depression
spellingShingle Walid Alhussin
Sukena Susnerwala
Spontaneous ping-pong fracture in a full-term neonate—a case report
Egyptian Pediatric Association Gazette
Ping-Pong fracture
Neonatal fracture
Congenital skull depression
title Spontaneous ping-pong fracture in a full-term neonate—a case report
title_full Spontaneous ping-pong fracture in a full-term neonate—a case report
title_fullStr Spontaneous ping-pong fracture in a full-term neonate—a case report
title_full_unstemmed Spontaneous ping-pong fracture in a full-term neonate—a case report
title_short Spontaneous ping-pong fracture in a full-term neonate—a case report
title_sort spontaneous ping pong fracture in a full term neonate a case report
topic Ping-Pong fracture
Neonatal fracture
Congenital skull depression
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s43054-023-00211-9
work_keys_str_mv AT walidalhussin spontaneouspingpongfractureinafulltermneonateacasereport
AT sukenasusnerwala spontaneouspingpongfractureinafulltermneonateacasereport