A Case of Reduction of Frontal Sinus Anterior Wall Fracture Using Bioabsorbable Plate

Kwon, Min Sang; Moon, Jung Hwan; Kwon, Jae Hwan; Cho, Joong Hwan

Abstract

Frontal sinus fractures are relatively uncommon maxillofacial injuries, making up only 5% to 12% of all facial fractures. Management of the fracture depends on the type and severity of the fracture and the presence of associated injuries. The use of a metalic plate as a reduction material for facial bone fracture has vastly grown; however, in infants, metal implants induce growth restriction of facial bone and the plate needs to be removed after approximately 3-6 months. Due to these weakness, the use of it as a bioabsorbable plate has thus taken over the large proportion of all its uses. A 15-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a depression fracture of the frontal sinus anterior wall after trauma to the frontal area. Seven days after the trauma, the patient got open reduction. After exposing the fracture site with a butterfly incision, and placing the fractured bony fragments back in original place, the bioabsorbable plates were fixed on them. Postoperatively, depressed frontal area was restored normally. There is no evidence of complication after 28 months from the operation. We report a successful reduction of the frontal sinus anterior wall fracture using bioabsorbable plates.