BACKGROUND: After reviewing the literature about sella turcica and spheno-occipital synchondrosis fracture, we present the case of a 6-year-old girl who suffered complex sphenoid bone fracture produced by an indirect mechanism. METHODS: The girl fell from her height after a blunt head injury due to a falling lamppost. RESULTS: Computer tomography (CT) scan showed occipital, sellar and clival fractures with pneumatocephalus. The probable fracture mechanism is contre-coup injury linked to osseous and brain oscillations after head trauma. CONCLUSION: Two complications, abducens nerve palsy and cerebrospinal fluid fistula, are observed and discussed.
BACKGROUND: After reviewing the literature about sella turcica and spheno-occipital synchondrosis fracture, we present the case of a 6-year-old girl who suffered complex sphenoid bone fracture produced by an indirect mechanism. METHODS: The girl fell from her height after a blunt head injury due to a falling lamppost. RESULTS: Computer tomography (CT) scan showed occipital, sellar and clival fractures with pneumatocephalus. The probable fracture mechanism is contre-coup injury linked to osseous and brain oscillations after head trauma. CONCLUSION: Two complications, abducens nerve palsy and cerebrospinal fluid fistula, are observed and discussed.