Extended Application of Endoscopic Repair for Frontal Sinus Fractures

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The coronal approach for repair of frontal sinus fractures is associated with significant adverse sequelae including a long scar, alopecia, paresthesias, and, uncommonly, facial nerve injury. To minimize these complications, an endoscopic approach for repair of frontal sinus fractures was developed. The authors now present the results of an endoscopy-assisted approach for the treatment of frontal sinus fractures. METHODS: From 2002 to 2009, five patients with frontal sinus fracture underwent endoscopic repair. Two slit incisions were placed in the scalp, and one or two stab incisions directly over the fractures were placed in the forehead. After subperiosteal dissection, fracture segments were reduced under direct vision and fixed with microplates or fibrin glue. RESULTS: All patients had good cosmetic results and remained free of sinus complaints. There were no perioperative complications reported. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic repair of frontal sinus fractures is an efficacious technique that significantly reduces patient morbidity. A relatively wide range of anterior table fractures can be reduced using an endoscope. In cases of complicated comminuted fractures, fibrin glue helps to achieve satisfactory endoscopic reduction. Endoscopic repair is an alternative treatment for various anterior table fractures of the frontal sinus.