Management Strategies for Communited Fractures of Frontal Skull Base: An Institutional Experience

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study is to present our experience in management of complex, communited fractures of the frontal skull base. Patients and Methods This was a retrospective study performed between January 2000 to January 2013. Data of 1,935 patients with head trauma operated in our department during this period were analyzed. Overall, 210 patients with compound anterior skull base fractures were reviewed. Patients were classified based on radiological features in three groups. Standard neurosurgical protocol was followed for all patients after trauma; reconstruction using titanium mesh, miniplates, and silastic graft was done 6 months to 1 year later. Conclusion Frontal depressed fractures involving the anterior cranial base are complex and require a definitive plan of approach. Reconstruction of bony and dural defects reduces cerebrospinal fluid leak, brain herniation, and infection. Cosmetic reconstruction of the frontal deformity is necessary at a later stage.