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Semin Plast Surg 2002; 16(3): 261-272
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-34429
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Management of Frontal Sinus Trauma

Spiros Manolidis
  • The Bobby Ray Alford Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Communicative Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
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Publication History

Publication Date:
01 October 2002 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Frontal sinus fractures (FSFs) are a relatively uncommon maxillofacial injury, making up only 5 to 12% of all facial fractures. Individuals sustaining FSFs often have associated intracranial, ophthalmologic, and other maxillofacial injuries. High-resolution computed tomography in combination with clinical findings will accurately predict the degree of injury in the majority of instances. Exploration of the frontal sinus with reduction alone is reserved for a small minority of very simple fractures. The majority of FSFs should be treated with frontal sinus obliteration. Those with more extensive injuries and the presence of a cerebrospinal fluid leak will require a frontal sinus cranialization. Aggressive surgical management is the key to avoiding early and late complications that can cause significant morbidity and mortality.

KEYWORDS

Frontal sinus fractures - maxillofacial injury - ophthalmic injuries

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