Epidemiology

Skull fractures occur in 2% to 20% of all head trauma.[2] Globally, the age-standardised rates of skull fractures in 2019 were 98.9 incident cases (95% UI 77.1 to 128.5) per 100,000 population and 39.9 prevalent cases (95% UI 35.7 to 45.8) per 100,000 population.[3]​ Skull fractures occur most frequently between the ages of 20 and 50 years.[4] However, children with a head injury have an increased prevalence of skull fracture in comparison with adults. Males are overwhelmingly more commonly affected than females.[3][5][6][7]​​​​ The most common mechanism, accounting for up to 35% of skull fractures, is a fall.[4][8][9]​​ The most common fractures are simple linear fractures, found in up to 50% to 80% of all skull fractures.[2][8][10]

Risk factors

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fall from height

Most common cause of skull fractures for both adults and paediatric patients, accounting for up to 35% of all skull fractures.[4][8][9]​

motor vehicle accident

A common cause of skull fractures, accounting for 20% to 25% of all fractures.[2][4][5][8]

assault resulting in head trauma

A common cause of fractures, accounting for up to 30% of skull fractures in adults.[11]

gunshots to the head

An uncommon cause of skull fracture but, when present, a gunshot wound to the head has a high chance of causing a fracture. [Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Transcranial gunshot wound [Citation ends].Transcranial gunshot wound[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Gunshot wound with comminuted elevated fracture and pneumocephalus [Citation ends].Gunshot wound with comminuted elevated fracture and pneumocephalus[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Gunshot wound with perpendicular blowout fracture [Citation ends].Gunshot wound with perpendicular blowout fracture

male sex

Males predominate, with risk at least 1.5 times that of females of equivalent demographics, and account for up to 71% of all skull fractures.[5][7]

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