Fractures of the frontal sinus

Fractures of the frontal sinus are frequently seen in patients with cranio-facial injuries. Trauma to the posterior wall and more deeply located tissues: anterior fossa, dura and brain, give an indication of the seriousness of such injuries. We point out some particular aspects of our experience; in the neurosurgical approach to such lesions; we use a classification based on treatment: -when the posterior wall of the sinus is not, or only slightly damaged, we drain it using a thin suction catheter pulled through the fronto-nasal duct, kept in place for six to ten days. -when a comminuted fracture of the frontal arch occurs in the sinus area, a large cortico-cancellous onlay bone graft is used to rebuild a harmonious frontal contour and avoid the risk of secondary deformity.