Diastatic fracture is
**Core Concept**
A diastatic fracture refers to a type of skull fracture that occurs in the suture lines of the skull, resulting in separation of the cranial bones. This type of fracture is often seen in infants and young children due to the pliable nature of their skulls.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In a diastatic fracture, the force of trauma is sufficient to cause separation of the cranial bones, which are normally held together by sutures. The bones may be separated by a small or large gap, depending on the severity of the injury. This type of fracture is often associated with increased intracranial pressure and may be a sign of underlying traumatic brain injury.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because a diastatic fracture specifically refers to a fracture that occurs in the suture lines of the skull, not a fracture that occurs in the bones themselves.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because a comminuted fracture refers to a fracture in which the bone is broken into multiple fragments, whereas a diastatic fracture involves separation of the cranial bones at the suture lines.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because a depressed fracture refers to a fracture in which a fragment of the bone is pressed into the underlying tissue, whereas a diastatic fracture involves separation of the cranial bones at the suture lines.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to note that diastatic fractures are often seen in infants and young children, and may be associated with increased intracranial pressure and underlying traumatic brain injury.
**Correct Answer: D. Fracture that occurs in the suture lines of the skull.**