Solitary frontal sinus fracture

Both the anterior and/or posterior wall of the frontal sinus as well as the nasofrontal duct may be injured by blunt force, commonly secondary to automobile accidents. In this group of 13 solitary frontal sinus fractures, the anterior wall was involved in all cases, and the posterior wall in 2. Antibiotic therapy was given to prevent anticipated infection. Comminuted or depressed fractures of the anterior wall were treated by elevation and/or wiring. Surgical treatment was not employed when there was a linear fracture of the anterior wall in good alignment. Posterior wall fragments were removed and periosteal flaps used to close the defect when the dura was intact. One case required neurosurgical treatment for a dural tear and necrotic frontal lobe cortex.