Anterior table frontal sinus fractures.

Abstract

Frontal sinus fractures cover a spectrum of injury. A series of 52 primarily treated patients from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center is presented. Initial systematic management was applied to these patients and consisted of complete radiographic evaluation supplemented by wound care and cosmetic restoration when needed. All patients were followed on a long-term basis; both clinically and radiographically. Results to date are that 49 patients have had an uneventful post-traumatic course with re-establishment of normal sinus aeration. From the cosmetic standpoint no contour revisions have been needed and only two patients required elective scar revision. Three patients developed chronic suppurative sinus disease within the first post-traumatic year which was readily diagnosed and managed without complication by osteoplastic frontal sinusotomy and adipose obliteration.