Aim: To evaluate short and long term results and complications of the open management of the frontobasal fractures.

Method: We performed a cohort analysis of all patients with frontobasal fractures with focus on long term results from January 1, 1996 to December 31, 2003 and for short term complications patients treated from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2008. Frontobasal fractures were treated with simple reduction and osteosynthesis, bone reconstructive procedures or frontal sinus cranialisation.

Results: In the analysis in the long term group we included 83 patients treated for frontobasal fractures. Serious long term complications (more than 3 years) were as follows: in 2 patients a mucocele have had formed in the preserved frontal sinus. One patients suffered an episode of a purulent meningitis. No CSF leak could be detected. In the imminent postop period 1 patient had a brain abscess and other patient had CSF leak. In the intermediate period (6 months–3 years postop) four patients had sinusitis, in three patients osteits of the frontal bone developed and in one caroticocavernous fistula develops.

Conclusion: The determinant of the management of the forntobasal fractures is the status of the posterior wall and dura. Open management and in cases of comminution of the posterior wall a cranialisation of the frontal sinus is mandatory. Dural defects must be repaired simultaneously to the skeleton management. Frontal sinus preservation is possible in cases noncomminution of the posterior wall. The surgical management must start as soon as possible after surgery in multidisciplinary fashion.

Conflict of interest: None declared.