$Surreal illustration of a head with a subtle fracture line, representing the risk of Mayfield headrest complications.$

Mayfield Headrest Complications: What You Need to Know About Skull Fractures

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A rare but serious risk: Understanding depressed skull fractures from Mayfield headrest use and how to prevent them."

Mayfield headrests are essential tools in neurosurgery, providing the rigid head and cervical spine fixation needed for complex procedures. These devices allow surgeons the necessary access and stability to perform delicate operations.

Despite their widespread use, complications can arise from Mayfield headrests, including a rare but serious risk of depressed skull fracture. While infrequent, it's crucial to understand the potential dangers and preventative measures associated with these devices.

This article explores a case of depressed skull fracture resulting from Mayfield headrest use in an adult patient. We will review the factors contributing to this complication, discuss preventive strategies, and equip you with the knowledge to navigate this rare but significant risk.

Understanding the Risk: How Mayfield Headrests Can Cause Skull Fractures

Surreal illustration of a head with a subtle fracture line, representing the risk of Mayfield headrest complications.

Mayfield headrests use pins to secure the patient's head during surgery. While designed for stability, excessive force or certain patient factors can lead to skull fractures. Several elements increase the risk:

A recent case study highlights a 17-year-old patient who developed a depressed skull fracture after undergoing surgery for a fourth ventricle tumor. The patient had a history of long-term intracranial hypertension, which likely thinned their skull. The fracture was discovered post-operatively and treated with conservative management.

Patient Age: Younger patients, especially children, have thinner skulls that are more susceptible to fracture.
Excessive Force: Applying too much pressure during headrest placement can directly cause fractures.
Pre-existing Conditions: Conditions like chronic kidney disease or long-term intracranial hypertension can weaken the skull.
Surgical Duration: Longer surgeries increase the risk due to prolonged pressure on the skull.
Improper Placement: Avoiding fragile areas of the skull, such as the temporal squama or frontal sinus, is crucial.

To minimize the risk of complications with Mayfield headrests, surgeons should consider the following precautions:

Reducing the Risks: A Proactive Approach to Mayfield Headrest Safety

Mayfield headrest complications, though rare, can have significant consequences. By understanding the risk factors and implementing preventive measures, clinicians can minimize these potentially devastating outcomes.

Prioritizing patient safety starts with a thorough pre-operative assessment. Evaluate skull thickness, identify pre-existing conditions, and carefully consider the patient's age before using a Mayfield headrest.

Continuous education and vigilance are key. Healthcare professionals must stay informed about best practices for Mayfield headrest use to ensure the safest possible outcomes for every patient.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.11604/pamj.2016.24.129.8367, Alternate LINK

Title: Embarrure Suite À L’Utilisation De La Têtière De Mayfield Chez L’Adulte: À Propos D’Un Cas Et Revue De La Littérature

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Pan African Medical Journal

Publisher: Pan African Medical Journal

Authors: Mohamed Moutaoukil, Mustapha Bensghir, Soukaina Eddik, Abdelhamid Jaafari, Redouane Ahtil, Mohammed Meziane, Charki Haimeur

Published: 2016-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the main concern associated with the use of Mayfield headrests?

The article addresses the potential for depressed skull fractures arising from the use of Mayfield headrests. These fractures, though rare, can occur during neurosurgical procedures. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the risks associated with Mayfield headrest use to ensure patient safety. It highlights how the use of Mayfield headrests, crucial tools in neurosurgery, can sometimes lead to these serious complications, especially when factors such as patient age, pre-existing conditions, excessive force during placement, and prolonged surgical duration are involved.

Why are Mayfield headrests important in neurosurgery?

Mayfield headrests are significant in neurosurgery because they offer rigid fixation of the head and cervical spine. This stability is essential for complex procedures, providing surgeons the access and control needed to perform delicate operations. The article explains that the use of Mayfield headrests, while generally safe, carries a rare but serious risk of causing depressed skull fractures. This risk necessitates a thorough understanding of potential complications and the implementation of preventive measures to protect patients.

What are the potential implications of depressed skull fractures related to Mayfield headrests?

The article explores the potential implications of depressed skull fractures associated with Mayfield headrest use. The fractures can be caused by factors like excessive force, patient age, pre-existing conditions, surgical duration, and improper placement of the Mayfield headrest. A case study of a 17-year-old patient is mentioned, highlighting the impact that intracranial hypertension can have. The implications include potential post-operative complications and the need for conservative treatment. Preventative measures are therefore critical to minimize the risk of these potentially devastating outcomes.

What factors increase the risk of a depressed skull fracture when using a Mayfield headrest?

Several factors contribute to the risk of depressed skull fractures when using Mayfield headrests. These include patient age, where younger patients have thinner skulls; excessive force during the placement of the Mayfield headrest pins; pre-existing conditions like chronic kidney disease or intracranial hypertension, which can weaken the skull; the duration of the surgery, with longer procedures increasing risk due to prolonged pressure; and improper placement of the Mayfield headrest, particularly avoiding fragile areas of the skull. The article details each of these factors as critical considerations for surgeons.

What precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of complications with Mayfield headrests?

Preventative measures are critical to minimizing the risk associated with the use of Mayfield headrests. Surgeons must consider factors such as patient age and pre-existing conditions to assess the risk of skull fractures. Proper placement of the Mayfield headrest is also essential, specifically avoiding fragile areas of the skull. Careful application of force during headrest placement is crucial. Considering the surgical duration to minimize prolonged pressure on the skull. These proactive steps collectively reduce the likelihood of complications, ensuring patient safety. A proactive approach to Mayfield headrest safety is essential in the field of neurosurgery.