Paranasal sinuses in relation to skull injury; subsequent defects and their correction with tantalum plates.

Abstract

For many years various types of materials have been employed in the repair of skull defects. The most recent substance to be used is the element tantalum. The contributions of Olsen, 1 Pudenz, 2 Burke, 3 Fulcher, 4 Robertson, 5 Baker, 6 Robertson and Peacher, 7 Schnitker and McCarthy, 8 Woodhall and Spurling, 9 Turner, 10 Gardner, 11 Echols and Colclough 12 and Bradford and Livingston 13 have done much to popularize the use of this element for such procedures both in military and civilian practice. Early debridement, skilful medical care and the use of sulfonamide drugs and antibiotics have been instrumental in saving large numbers of patients with compound depressed skull fractures. Of primary importance in the treatment of these patients is the debridement of the soft tissues, including the brain, dura and scalp. At this time a decision must be made as to whether the skull defect should