Usefulness of Frontal Sinus Reconstruction Using Polymethyl-methacrylate

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Many methods for preventing central nervous system infection and cerebrospinal fluid leakage through opened frontal sinus have been reported. Nevertherless, the most effective procedure was not confirmed yet. The aim of this study is to test the efficacy of a simple technique of frontal sinus obliteration using polymethyl-methacrylate(PMMA) cement instead of more traditional methods such as pericranial flap, free muscle or fat graft and lumbar drainage. METHODS: Twenty three patients whose frontal sinus were opened during frontal craniotomy or due to trauma underwent frontal sinus obliteration procedure using PMMA bone cement. No other adjuncts for prevention of cerebrospinal fluid leakage through the sinus were used. Demographics, indications for frontal sinus obliteration, immediate and late complications, and long term outcomes were investigated. These results were compared with those in the current literatures. RESULTS: During follow-up of 18 months, there were no cerebrospinal fluid leaks, infection, resorption, cosmetic deformity, and morbidity of donor site CONCLUSION: Polymethyl-methacrylate bone cement seems be a simple and effective method for frontal sinus obliteration and prevention of cerebrospinal fluid leakage.