title: An unusual case of a compound depressed skull fracture after an assault with a stiletto heel.
abstract: Compound depressed skull fractures occur commonly from assault with various sharp and blunt objects. The use of a stiletto heeled shoe as an offensive weapon has not been reported before as a cause of such an injury. However unusual the history of assault, a clear picture of the mechanism of the injury is vital. Patients with scalp lacerations following a direct blow to the head must be evaluated thoroughly. Early investigation and treatment are necessary to reduce the risk of complications, as illustrated by this case.
authors.affiliation: Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Liverpool, UK.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Stables
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Quigley
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Basu
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pillay
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001037:Aphasia / Q000209:etiology; D001922:Brain Abscess / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D004630:Emergencies; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012775:Shoes; D020204:Skull Fracture, Depressed / Q000209:etiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014754:Violence; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications