Nasofrontal outflow tract visibility in computed tomography imaging of frontal sinus fractures

Reconstruction of Frontal Bone With Custom-Made Prosthesis Using Rapid Prototyping

Frontal bone fracture treatment is still an issue of research in craniofacial surgery and neurosurgery. The aims of the treatment are to reduce the complication risks and to keep the aesthetic of the face. Before the management of this fracture type, it is necessary to consider the permanence or not of the frontal sinus function. Rapid prototyping has been an aid tool on planning and simulation of the surgical procedure, improving the diagnostic quality and the implant manufacture, beyond reducing the operative time. Among the used materials on treatment of these fractures, titanium mesh shows large versatility and ease of handling. Poly(methyl methacrylate) has been used in defects of partial thickness or irregularities on cranial surface. The aim of this study is to report a case of a patient presenting sequelae of large fracture of anterior wall of frontal bone, treated by a titanium mesh associated with the customized poly(methyl methacrylate) implant from the rapid prototyping. It could be concluded that the use of this technique showed itself effective on patient treatment, and rapid prototyping demonstrated being a valuable tool showing predictable and satisfactory results.

Trauma of the midface

Fractures of the midface pose a serious medical problem as for their complexity, frequency and their socio-economic impact. Interdisciplinary approaches and up-to-date diagnostic and surgical techniques provide favorable results in the majority of cases though. Traffic accidents are the leading cause and male adults in their thirties are affected most often. Treatment algorithms for nasal bone fractures, maxillary and zygomatic fractures are widely agreed upon whereas trauma to the frontal sinus and the orbital apex are matter of current debate. Advances in endoscopic surgery and limitations of evidence based gain of knowledge are matters that are focused on in the corresponding chapter. As for the fractures of the frontal sinus a strong tendency towards minimized approaches can be seen. Obliteration and cranialization seem to decrease in numbers. Some critical remarks in terms of high dose methylprednisolone therapy for traumatic optic nerve injury seem to be appropriate. Intraoperative cone beam radiographs and preshaped titanium mesh implants for orbital reconstruction are new techniques and essential aspects in midface traumatology. Fractures of the anterior skull base with cerebrospinal fluid leaks show very promising results in endonasal endoscopic repair.