Which type of depressed skull fracture increases the risk for intracranial hematoma?

The correct answer is a closed depressed skull fracture. This type of fracture occurs when a blunt force trauma causes a small segment of the skull to be pushed inward but does not break through the skin. The inward displacement of bone can create pressure on the underlying brain tissue and blood vessels, making it more likely that a hematoma—a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels—will develop, potentially leading to serious complications such as brain swelling or increased intracranial pressure.

Intracranial hematomas can develop as a result of tearing of the blood vessels in the brain or surrounding tissue as a result of the trauma that caused the fracture. In a closed fracture, the intact skin can delay the recognition of any bleeding, making it critical for medical personnel to monitor for signs of intracranial bleeding closely.

Other types of fractures, such as open or basilar skull fractures, may have different mechanisms of injury and complications associated with them. Open fractures pose a risk for infection due to the break in the skin but do not inherently increase the risk for hematoma formation to the same extent as a closed depressed fracture. Basilar skull fractures are specific to the base of the skull and often present with different symptoms and complications, such as cranial nerve damage or cerebro