Comparison of complications following frontal sinus fractures managed with exploration with or without obliteration over 10 years

Two hundred twelve patients were treated for facial or skull trauma at the West Virginia University Hospital between the years 1977 and 1987. Sixty-six of these patients had frontal sinus or nasofrontal duct trauma. Follow-up information was obtained on 64 of these patients through clinic visits, chart review, questionnaires to patients and physicians, and telephone calls to the patients. Follow-up greater than 1 year was obtained on 52 patients. Sixty-four patients were managed either with a frontal sinus obliteration or with an open exploratory procedure. The incidence of complications occurring in the past 10 years after each of these procedures is compared. Because the indications for each procedure vary somewhat, data is presented on fracture etiology, associated injuries, specific fracture location, fracture displacement, severity of injury, and associated cerebrospinal fluid leaks.