What is the primary treatment for a skull fracture?

The primary treatment for a skull fracture is dependent on the specific type and severity of the fracture. Surgical intervention may be necessary for certain fractures, particularly those that involve a displaced fracture, where the bone fragments are misaligned or where there is a risk of penetrating the brain or injuring blood vessels.

In cases where the fracture is not displacing the bone or posing a risk to the brain, conservative management, like rest and observation, may be appropriate. However, if there are indications of complications such as bleeding, infection, or neurological impairment, urgent surgical intervention can be essential in order to ensure the safety and recovery of the patient.

In contrast, while immobilization of the head can be important in cases of spinal injuries or to prevent movement that might exacerbate existing injuries, it is not a specific treatment for skull fractures. Antibiotic therapy might be considered if there is a risk of infection, but it does not address the fracture itself. Thus, the need for surgical intervention based on clinical evaluation makes it the correct answer for managing skull fractures effectively.