Endoscopic repair of anterior table--frontal sinus fractures

Frontal sinus fractures account for 5% to 15% of all maxillofacial injuries. Historically, a large percentage of these injuries were treated aggressively because of the long term risk of mucocele formation. This required a coronal incision with the associated surgical sequelae including a large scar, alopecia, and paresthesias. In light of these sequelae and recent advances in CT diagnosis and endoscopic treatment of mucoceles, some surgeons are starting to manage isolated anterior table fractures through an endoscopic approach. The endoscopic repair significantly reduces patient morbidity because it requires only 2 small incisions behind the frontal hairline. The endoscopic approach can be divided into two types: acute fracture reduction (covered elsewhere in this issue) and fracture camouflage. This article reviews the indications, techniques, and advantages of frontal sinus fracture camouflage.