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Research Article| Volume 46, ISSUE 3, P208-214, 1993

Fractures of the frontal sinus: a rationale of treatment

  • Author Footnotes
    1 Formerly Senior Registrar
    ,
    Author Footnotes
    2 Now Senior Registrar, Department of Surgery, Head and Neck Surgery Unit, University Hospital St. Rafae¨l, K.U. Leuven, Belgium.
    Charis Ioannides
    Correspondence
    Requests for reprints to Ch. Ioannides, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Sint-Rafae¨l, Kapucijnenvoer 33, 3000 Leuven ,Belgium.
    Footnotes
    1 Formerly Senior Registrar
    2 Now Senior Registrar, Department of Surgery, Head and Neck Surgery Unit, University Hospital St. Rafae¨l, K.U. Leuven, Belgium.
    Affiliations
    Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital St. Radboud, K. U. Nijmegen,The Netherlands
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  • Hans Peter Freihofer
    Affiliations
    Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital St. Radboud, K.U. Nijmegen,The Netherlands
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  • Jan Friens
    Affiliations
    Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital St. Radboud, K.U. Nijmegen,The Netherlands
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  • Author Footnotes
    1 Formerly Senior Registrar
    2 Now Senior Registrar, Department of Surgery, Head and Neck Surgery Unit, University Hospital St. Rafae¨l, K.U. Leuven, Belgium.
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      Abstract

      There is still controversy on the management of frontal sinus fractures, as the optimal method of treatment has not been developed yet. Based on experience with 71 patients we formed a protocol, the basic principles of which are outlined here. In cases of posterior wall fractures the sinus was either cranialised or it was obliterated down to the nasofrontal duct. Anterior table fractures were reduced, defects were reconstructed and the sinus was drained via the nose for 4–6 weeks. Autologous graft material was always used for all reconstructive purposes. Meningitis occurred directly after the operation in 2 patients and a mucopyocele of the sinus with osteomyelitis of the frontal bone 1.5 years postoperatively in another. No further early or long term sequelae originating from the sinus were seen.

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