Clinical Study of Frontal Sinus Fractures: A Review of 14 Cases

Kwon, Jae Hwan; Hong, Sun Man; Han, Chang Yong; Bahn, Jung Min; Kim, Gi Chul; Park, Gi Ho; Cho, Joong Hwan

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The incidence of frontal sinus fractures has increased as traffic and industrial accidents have increased. However, they are still uncommon compared to other facial traumas because of the arch configuration and the thickness of the anterior wall of the frontal sinus. Accurate evaluation is highly recommended in cases of frontal sinus fractures because they are likely to result in serious complications, including frontal sinusitis, meningitis, and mucocele. In this paper, we reviewed 14 cases of frontal sinus fractures and investigated the clinical characteristics and treatment results.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A retrospective review was performed on 14 patients with frontal sinus fractures who had been treated in our department from June, 1995 to August, 1997.
RESULTS
Eleven patients were treated with surgery, including osteoplastic frontal sinus surgery with fat obliteration (5 patients), open reduction and internal fixation of the anterior wall (4 patients), and cranialization (2 patients). Three patients were treated with conservative methods. There were no complications such as infection, meningitis, and mucocele formation in the patients who underwent surgery for an average follow-up period of 19 months.
CONCLUSION
Our results show that an aggressive approach is justified for treatment of frontal sinus fractures.