Introduction

Fractures of the frontal sinus are a common maxillofacial trauma and constitute 5–15% of all maxillofacial fractures. One-third of frontal sinus fractures involve only the anterior wall, and two-thirds affect the anterior wall or the posterior wall and/or the frontonasal duct. The signs of such fractures are depression of the supraorbital area, anaesthesia/paraesthesia of the supraorbital nerves, orbital ecchymosis, and cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea. Undisplaced or minimally displaced anterior table fractures are commonly managed by observation. More extensively displaced anterior table fractures are managed using several techniques, which are progressing towards adequate reductions with fewer complications.

Various surgical techniques have been used to manage isolated anterior frontal sinus fractures. Conventional surgical approaches include the coronal flap, direct cutaneous incision, and endoscopic techniques. The standard coronal approach allows for adequate visualization of the fracture site and adequate plating of the fractured fragments. This technique is associated with risks of complications such as nerve injuries, scarring, alopecia, and paraesthesia. Direct cutaneous incision allows for adequate access to the fracture site, which enables reconstruction and osteosynthesis. However, this technique is rarely utilized due to the risk of facial scarring. Endoscopic approaches have been advocated because they avoid external incisions, either by utilizing a small incision in the hairline or a transnasal approach. However, the endoscopic approach is associated with a steep learning curve and is limited by narrow fields of view. Further difficulties are related to the navigation of the complex and variable frontal sinus and nasofrontal duct; moreover surgical access can be troublesome due to the convexity of the frontal bone.

Minimally invasive techniques have recently been described for the reduction of the isolated anterior frontal sinus fracture via a closed approach. Hwang and Song reported the use of a stab incision at the end of the eyebrow to allow for the insertion of a periosteal elevator. This transcutaneous transfrontal approach through an eyebrow incision was also later used by Kim et al.

The aim of this study was to report our experience in the management of isolated anterior frontal sinus fractures using a minimally invasive closed approach with the placement of percutaneous screws.

Materials and methods

The medical records and radiological findings of all patients who underwent surgical treatment for anterior frontal sinus fractures from January 2009 to December 2013 at the maxillofacial surgery unit of the study hospital in Florence, Italy, were reviewed. The following demographic and surgical data were recorded: age, gender, time of surgery, mechanism of injury, length of hospital stay, preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) findings, and complications.

The inclusion criteria were isolated anterior frontal sinus fracture and treatment via closed reduction using percutaneous screws. The exclusion criteria were concomitant posterior wall and nasofrontal duct fractures, treatment with conventional surgical approaches, and insufficient preoperative or postoperative data.

Surgery was performed within 1 week of injury for all patients. Clinical follow-ups were performed at 1 week and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and then yearly thereafter. The follow-ups included an accurate physical examination and clinical photography. CT scans were performed during the follow-up period to evaluate the anatomical reduction and to detect any postoperative complications. Postoperative reductions of the frontal sinus fractures were assessed on a 4-point Likert scale (1 = poor; 2 = fair; 3 = good; and 4 = excellent) by four clinicians who were blinded to the study conditions (two consultants and two registrars). This research was approved by the local ethics committee.

Materials and methods

The medical records and radiological findings of all patients who underwent surgical treatment for anterior frontal sinus fractures from January 2009 to December 2013 at the maxillofacial surgery unit of the study hospital in Florence, Italy, were reviewed. The following demographic and surgical data were recorded: age, gender, time of surgery, mechanism of injury, length of hospital stay, preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) findings, and complications.

The inclusion criteria were isolated anterior frontal sinus fracture and treatment via closed reduction using percutaneous screws. The exclusion criteria were concomitant posterior wall and nasofrontal duct fractures, treatment with conventional surgical approaches, and insufficient preoperative or postoperative data.

Surgery was performed within 1 week of injury for all patients. Clinical follow-ups were performed at 1 week and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and then yearly thereafter. The follow-ups included an accurate physical examination and clinical photography. CT scans were performed during the follow-up period to evaluate the anatomical reduction and to detect any postoperative complications. Postoperative reductions of the frontal sinus fractures were assessed on a 4-point Likert scale (1 = poor; 2 = fair; 3 = good; and 4 = excellent) by four clinicians who were blinded to the study conditions (two consultants and two registrars). This research was approved by the local ethics committee.