What characterizes a diastatic fracture?

A diastatic fracture is characterized by occurring along the suture lines of the skull and resulting in a widening or separation. This type of fracture is often associated with significant trauma and can lead to complications such as increased intracranial pressure or brain injuries due to the disruption of normal cranial suture alignment. The distinction of a diastatic fracture is its location and the fact that it disrupts the fibrous joints that hold the plates of the skull together, highlighting the importance of understanding cranial anatomy in trauma assessments. Recognizing this type of fracture is critical for medical professionals, as it may influence treatment decisions and the need for surgical intervention to restore the normal anatomy of the skull.