Pott’s puffy tumour: a forgotten complication of frontal sinus disease

Abstract

Osteomyelitis of the frontal bone, otherwise known as Pott's puffy tumour, is a rare complication of frontal sinusitis. The aim of this paper is to illustrate this condition as a separate entity to other causes of supraorbital swelling and describe the various types of management. We present the case of a 56-year-old man who was seen in the emergency department with a painful forehead swelling. The maxillofacial surgical team on call arranged for incision and drainage of what was thought to be a sebaceous cyst. Despite oral antibiotic treatment, a continuing discharge was evident after a period of 3/52. An eventual diagnosis was made of frontocutaneous fistula secondary to Pott's puffy tumour. Frontal sinus disease may result in potentially dangerous complications. Although Pott's puffy tumour is a rare complication in this post-antibiotic era, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment will improve clinical outcome and reduce the possibility of intracerebral complications.