Which type of skull fracture typically requires surgical intervention due to the risk of brain injury?

Depressed skull fractures are a type of injury where a portion of the skull is displaced inward toward the brain, creating a potential risk for brain injury. This displacement can lead to complications such as direct trauma to brain tissue, epidural or subdural hematomas, and increased intracranial pressure. Surgical intervention is often necessary to elevate the depressed area of the skull back to its normal position and to address any associated injuries to the brain or blood vessels.

In contrast, linear skull fractures are often more benign, involving a break in the skull without displacement of bone fragments. Simple skull fractures, typically referring to those without substance interposed into the fracture, usually don’t necessitate surgical intervention unless there's concern for underlying brain injury or additional complications. Greenstick fractures are generally seen in children and indicate a partial fracture of the bone that does not normally require surgical treatment. Thus, surgical intervention is most critical with depressed skull fractures due to their complicated potential for brain injury.