Obstetric Frontal Head Trauma in a Newborn: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Obstetrical cranial trauma can be responsible for extracranial hematomas, cranial fractures, and intracranial hematomas. It is diagnosed early, either after a normal vaginal or instrumental delivery, and rarely during Caesarean deliveries. It is most often located at the parietal level and very rarely at the frontal level. It results from the association between the force of uterine contractions, manual uterine trans-abdominal compression, presentation, and abrupt passage into the bony pelvis. It can affect all structures of the fetal head. In most cases, it resolves spontaneously. Neurosurgical treatment is rare. We present the clinical case of a 1-day-old girl, presenting with a significant depression of the left frontal bone with a very large central fracture, who was operated on with a good surgical outcome. Head trauma can occur at birth and can be described in normal childbirth. Resorption is generally spontaneous, but rare cases are surgical with a good prognosis.