Posterior frontal sinus wall: A unique calvarial bone donor site

Abstract

Cranial bone grafts are the ideal substitute for the reconstruction of defects of the craniofacial skeleton, given the optimal conditions for survival and incorporation. An unusual calvarial bone graft site, the posterior frontal sinus wall was used in 5 patients who underwent the extended subcranial approach for anterior cranial base tumors or trauma. The bone defects comprised the nasal and orbital bones to a varying degree. In all but one patient, reconstruction was successful, and in one case attributable to inadequate soft tissue coverage, part of the bone graft was removed. We recommend the use of this donor site in cases of anterior cranial base, especially when using the extended subcranial approach, thereby minimizing operating time and donor site morbidity.