Management of Frontal Sinus Fractures

Abstract

The anatomical complexity, the probability of association with intracranial hemorrhage and delayed complications, such as mucocele or pyocele, attributed the controversy in the management of frontal sinus fractures. We review 30 frontal sinus fractures patients treated in VGH Taipei from Jan, 1981 to Dec, 1990. There are 17 anterior wall fractures and 13 combined anterior and posterior wall fractures. In the anterior wall fractures, 10 patients with patent drainage system received anterior wall repair only. Two patients without patent drainage system received obliteration. In the combined anterior and posterior wall fractures, one received anterior wall repair only, 3 received obliteration and 8 received craniolization. After average of 38.5 months follow-up, the mucoce1e developed in one patient. Here, we present our experience in the management of frontal sinus fractures.