Clinical Evaluation and Management Outcomes of Isolated Anterior Wall Frontal Sinus Fractures Fixation with Low Profile Miniplates

Ali, Ahmed A A; Osman, Mohammed H

doi:10.21608/ejprs.2020.140017

Clinical Evaluation and Management Outcomes of Isolated Anterior Wall Frontal Sinus Fractures Fixation with Low Profile Miniplates

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Ahmed A A Ali ¹
Mohammed H Osman ²

¹ The Department Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University

² The Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University**

10.21608/ejprs.2020.140017

Abstract

Background: Frontal sinus fractures are relatively common
with high-velocity injury trauma. Isolated anterior wall fractures
represent one third of all cases. The main goals of
fixation are to restore the premorbid aesthetic condition and
to preserve a safe and functional sinus. The ideal plating
system used for fixation of the anterior frontal wall fractures
is the micro plating system owing to its many advantages.
However, it is also feasible to utilize the low-profile miniplating
system as it has the same advantages.
Patients and Methods: A prospective study conducted on
patients admitted to trauma unit in two departments (Maxillofacial
department; Assiut University Hospital and Plastic
Surgery Department; Qena University Hospital) from August
2017 to July 2019 (two years’ duration). The study included
all patients with anterior wall fracture of frontal sinus that
needed open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with sinus
preservation. Materials used: Low profile miniplate system;
KLS Martin compact system; 1.5mm craniofacial plates with
thickness 0.7mm, miniscrew 1.5mm with 5mm in length and
drill bit 1.1mm diameter. Statistical analysis: Data was analyzed
using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)
version 22. p-value <0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Follow-up period ranged from 6-12 months.
Clinical data revealed that none of the patients complained
from these miniplates concerning its palpability under the
skin, sensitivity to temperature changes. No plate exposure
or extrusion recorded. Only two patients had wound infections
that resolved by antibiotic therapy. Patients complained only
from minor symptoms such as pain, supraorbital paresthesia
and facial edema. CT imaging showed good fracture healing,
good alignment of the anterior wall and no plate failure
(fracture). Patients were satisfied with restoration of the
forehead contour and excellent aesthetic results.
Conclusion: Isolated anterior wall frontal sinus fractures
are common due to high incidence rate of motor car accidents
in our country. Main lines of treatment aimed to restore a safe
functional sinus, prevent forehead contour deformity and
obtain good aesthetic results. These goals can be obtained by
fracture fixation with this low profile miniplate system with
resultant patient satisfaction.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Maxillofacial and cranio-maxillo-facial surgery

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