Nomenclature of frontobasal trauma: a new clinicoradiographic classification

High-velocity accidents cause significant injury to the cranial and facial skeleton. Frontobasal fractures include fractures of the upper third of the face and anterior skull base. The pattern and classifications of these fractures are poorly understood at present. The authors have attempted a new comprehensive classification based on detailed clinicoradiographic evaluation.

A prospective study was undertaken in a tertiary care hospital in 1 calendar year (July of 2000 to June of 2001). All 63 patients with frontobasal fractures had detailed clinical and radiographic evaluation with plain radiographs and high-resolution computed tomographic scan. The fractures were classified as frontal, basal, and combined. Areas were separated as central (designated type 1) and lateral (designated type 2) to differentiate the pattern in the sagittal plane according to the site of impact. Combined fractures involving both central and lateral areas were designated type 3. These could be further classified into unilateral or bilateral or pure or impure, depending on the absence or presence of midfacial fractures.

The fractures were subdivided into nine types considering the whole lateral and anteroposterior extents of the frontobasal region. The most common was the combined frontobasal type (30.16 percent). We found the pure type in 38.1 percent (24 of 63) and the impure type in 61.9 percent (39 of 63) of patients. Cerebrospinal fluid leaks occurred more commonly in impure types of frontobasal fracture. Blunt trauma leading to closed frontobasal fracture was seen in 35 patients. Penetrating trauma with open fractures was found in 28 patients and cerebrospinal fluid leak through the wound was seen in six of them.

The new comprehensive classification clearly defines the anatomical areas within the frontobasal region, the nature of injury, and its association with midfacial injuries, and is helpful in planning the approach to their exposure in surgery.