Research Article
Management of Frontal Sinus Fractures Connecting the Sinus Cavity and the Endocranium
Henri Lankoande*
,
Denlewende Sylvain Zabsonre,
Pacome Yameogo,
Bievianda Vincent Ili,
Yacouba Haro,
Abdoulaye Sanou,
Inoussa Zoungrana,
Céline Lucie Bambara,
Boureima Kinda,
Abel Kabre
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, June 2026
Pages:
1-8
Received:
2 June 2026
Accepted:
15 June 2026
Published:
17 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijn.20261001.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Introduction. Frontal sinus fractures connecting sinus cavity and endocranium without neurological clinical expression or intracranial CT scan injury are "falsely" considered benign especially when no liquorrhea has been objectified. However, because of naso frontal canal presence and the frontal sinus cavity septic nature, these fractures are most often responsible for very serious complications (infections, pneumencephaly) causing sequelae (psychological disorders) most often very disabling even after surgical management. The purpose of this work was to report our therapeutic attitude and evolution of patients. Method. This was a descriptive, analytical retrospective study covering 3 years in the neurosurgery department of the Yalgado Ouedraogo University Hospital in Ouagadougou. All cases of frontal sinus fractures connecting sinus cavity and endocranium with a "workable medical record" were included. Results. We included 47 patients. Average intake rate was 05 days (1 hour - 6.3 months). At admission, 5 patients (10.6%) had febrile meningeal disease. A CT scan made it possible to objectify a compressive pneumencephaly in 9 cases (19.1%), a brain abscess in 2 cases (4.3%). Surgery was performed in 16 patients (34.0%). Incision was made in a frontal skin fold in 10 cases (21.3%). After 3 months and 6 months follow-upf, there were respectively more complications (p=0.0 00017) and more very disabling sequelae (p = 0.016) among non-operated cases. Conclusion. Complications and sequelae were greater among non-operated patients. It is better to cranialize all this types of fractures as quickly as possible through an incision in a frontal skin fold that was the most efficient.
Abstract: Introduction. Frontal sinus fractures connecting sinus cavity and endocranium without neurological clinical expression or intracranial CT scan injury are "falsely" considered benign especially when no liquorrhea has been objectified. However, because of naso frontal canal presence and the frontal sinus cavity septic nature, these fractures are most...
Show More
