• V de Paul Djientcheu, A K Njamnshi, P Ongolo-Zogo, S Ako, A Essomba, and M A Sosso.
• Neurosurgery Service, Central Hospital, Yaounde, Cameroun. vincent_djientcheu@yahoo.com
• Pediatr Neurosurg. 2006 Jan 1; 42 (5): 273-6.

IntroductionA depressed skull fracture is an inward buckling of the skull bones. It is referred to as a ping-pong ball fracture in neonates; in older children, some fractures take a cup shape mimicking 'ping-pong' ball fractures.Objective And MethodsThe aim of this study was to assess the use of an obstetric vacuum extractor to elevate cup-shaped depressed skull fractures in children irrespective of age. All children admitted into the Central Hospital of Yaounde between 1999 and 2004 with a cup-shaped simple depressed skull fracture and treated with the vacuum extractor were included.ResultsNine children aged from 3 months to 17 years were treated with the vacuum extractor. The cosmetic and radiographic results were satisfactory. The procedure was simple and without any complication.ConclusionThe elevation of 'ping-pong-ball-like' or 'cup-shaped' skull fractures in older children (beyond the neonatal period) is a simple, effective and safe procedure.Copyright 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.

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