ABSTRACT
Although the international literature is replete with case reports and small series of frontal sinus fractures, few studies have undergone rigorous statistical analysis. The myriad of proposed treatment protocols therefore tend to be the product of local tradition and personal preference rather than evidence-based. Demographic data, treatment modalities, and complications were compiled. Acute “major” complications were defined as those occurring within six months that required surgery, and complications that did not require surgery were termed “minor.” Exclusion criteria were those patients whose clinical or radiographic records were incomplete or if they had undergone decompressive craniectomy without subsequent frontal sinus surgery. Patients who died within 48 hours without treatment were also excluded. Of a total of 1097 frontal sinus fracture patients identified, 153 were excluded due to insufficient data and 87 were excluded due to death within 48 hours without treatment, resulting in a robust cohort size of 857.
