The experience with a minimally disruptive treatment protocol for frontal sinus fractures has been described in a new study.
Frontal sinus fracture represents 5 to 12% of all maxillofacial fractures. The management of frontal sinus fractures has changed over the past two decades.A new article published online by JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery describes the experience with a minimally disruptive treatment protocol for frontal sinus fractures.
‘With improved diagnostic surveillance and minimally invasive techniques, treatment of frontal sinus fractures continues to undergo a dramatic shift toward sinus preservation protocols.’
The case series analysis by Sapna A. Patel of the University
of Washington, Seattle, and coauthors, included patients who all
sustained frontal sinus fractures due to trauma, including falls, motor
vehicle collisions, sports-related injuries, assault and other blunt
trauma. In the protocol, those who do not undergo immediate surgical repair undergo clinical observation and repeated radiographic imaging.
In this analysis, 22 of 25 patients included in the study had both clinical and radiologic follow-up. Of the 22 patients, 20 were treated without surgery had 19 had improvement. There were no complications.
"This is a preliminary report of an ongoing study; additional investigation is warranted to ensure that this protocol adheres to the goals of frontal sinus treatment in the long term. With improved diagnostic surveillance and minimally invasive techniques, treatment of frontal sinus fractures continues to undergo a dramatic shift toward sinus preservation protocols," the article concludes.
Source-Eurekalert