To investigate the risk factors for the occurrence of posttraumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) treated conservatively.

From June 2018 to November 2021, 168 patients with TBI admitted to Neurosurgery Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University under conservative treatment were selected as the subjects of this study. Patients were divided into PTH group and non-PTH group based on whether PTH occurred after treatment. The clinical data of the two groups of patients were compared, and the multivariate Logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors for PTH occurrence.

Among 168 patients, 46 cases of PTH occurred (PTH group), 122 cases of non occurring PTH (non-PTH group). There was a statistically significant difference in age, traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, ventricular hemorrhage, admission GCS score, and intracranial infection between the two groups of patients (P<0.05); Further multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age≥56 years, traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, GCS<12 score on admission, and intracranial infection were independent risk factors for PTH after conservative treatment with TBI (P<0.05).

Age≥56 years old, traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, GCS<12 score at admission, and intracranial infection are independent risk factors for PTH after conservative treatment of TBI. Targeted prevention and treatment measures should be taken clinically to reduce the incidence of PTH and improve patient prognosis.