title: Skull base fractures and their complications.
abstract: Basilar skull fractures are a relatively frequent occurrence in significant head trauma, and their detection is important, as even linear nondisplaced fractures can be associated with critical complications. The management of skull base fractures depends on the location and extent of these associated complications. This article reviews skull base anatomy; morphology of the common fracture patterns within the anterior, central, and posterior skull base; associated complications; imaging findings; and possible pitfalls in imaging of skull base trauma.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. Electronic address: kmlloyd@emory.edu.
authors.forename: Kristen L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Baugnon
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
authors.forename: Patricia A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Hudgins
mesh_terms: D002559:Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D019291:Skull Base / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D020205:Skull Fracture, Basilar / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Basilar skull fracture; CSF leak; CSF rhinorrhea; Skull base trauma