Summary.
Basic fractures tend to follow certain definite paths, this transbasic course varying according to the direction of the force applied and the site of application of the same. Whether the fracture completely traverses the base depends on the character of the force and the resistance offered, for bases, as well as vaults, vary greatly in strength. To every rule there must be exceptions, and cases are at hand in which the fracture appears to have obeyed no law, or in which the force applied was of so forcible a nature that the fracture traversed the base, regardless of all the ordinary rules.
The principles enumerated above were formulated by me some four years ago, and, in spite of certain adverse criticisms, I am more than ever convinced that the rules are correct, and that time and research are alone required to add to the strength of my assertions.
SYMPTOMS RESULTING FROM FRACTURE OF THE BASE OF THE SKULL
The symptoms resulting from a fracture of the base of the skull vary according to the particular fossa fractured. From a general point of view, the following symptoms require consideration:—
Hæmorrhages.
Escape of cerebro-spinal fluid.
Escape of brain-matter.
Escape of air from the air-sinuses into the surrounding tissues.
Involvement of certain cranial nerves.