X-ray image showing a fractured skull. The fracture is visible as a long, dark, horizontal line at centre left. Fractures of the skull may be either closed or open. In closed fractures there is no displacement of the broken fragments whereas the displacement occurs in open fractures. Because the skull is extremely strong its fractures are generally closed. If no complications arise they do not require any treatment. In open fractures the blood vessels of the meninges may be ruptured resulting in haemorrhages and the possible infection of the meninges. An open fracture often requires surgical treatment.