Korean J Neurotrauma.  2021 Apr;17(1):15-24. 10.13004/kjnt.2021.17.e3.

Traumatic Frontal Sinus Fractures Management: Experience from HighTrauma Centre

• Al-Shami H
• Alnemare AK
• Mahfoz TB
• Salah AM

• KMID: 2523155
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.13004/kjnt.2021.17.e3

Abstract

Objective
Analysis of our traumatic brain injury data, reviewing current literatures and assessing planning valuable decision making in frontal sinus fracture for young neurosurgeons.
Methods
Hospital data base for head trauma was retrieved after board permission for retrospective analysis of cases admitted from 2010–2020. Patients with frontal sinus fractures and head trauma were identified according to a flow chart. Variables of the study included patients' demographics, mechanism of injury, incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, types of associated injuries, imaging findings and operative techniques.
Results
Three-hundred eighty two patients were eligible to be screened in our study and represented the sample size under investigations in the following sections, 206 (53.9%) of patients were treated conservatively while 176 patients (46.1%) were identified as having an indication for surgical intervention. Eighty-four percent of patients were males. The mean age was 36.2±9.4 years (14–86 years). Depressed skull fracture was commonly associated injury (17.61%). Leakage of CSF was found in 32.95% of patients.
Conclusion
Frontal sinus fracture is not an easy scenario. It harbors many proportions and deliver many varieties in which, deep understanding of anatomy, naso-frontal outflow tract status, CSF leakage and neurological injury are of important points in decision. Our institutional algorithm provide rapid, accessible and applicable treatment protocol for resident and young neurosurgeons which minimizes consultations of other specialties.

Keyword

Frontal sinus; Anterior cranial fossa; Trauma