Compound depressed skull fracture caused by a flying model helicopter

Abstract

Compound depressed skull fractures are usually caused by high‐energy direct blows with sharp or blunt objects. A clear mechanism of injury is crucial in evaluating the degree of damage and formulating a management plan. We report an unusual cause of such a condition in this study. The patient, a 45‐year‐old male, suffered from head injury by a flying model helicopter. The flying of model helicopters is forbidden in the area where the incident occurred. He was confused on site and was found to be hemiplegic. Emergency wound debridement, craniectomy and external ventricular catheterization were done. Six months after the operation, the patient could walk with the assistance of a stick and cranioplasty has been planned for him. The potential dangers of flying model helicopters are well presented in this study. The authors strongly recommend implementation of safety measures to minimize the potential risk of the game or other similar games.