Purpose

In craniomaxillofacial trauma, frontal sinus fractures are relatively uncommon, due to the high impact force required to produce these. However, management of these is quite complex, with the treatment algorithm incorporating many factors, in which the status of the nasofrontal duct is critically important. Traditionally, this has been evaluated by both axial and coronal computed tomography (CT) scan views. We evaluated the role of sagittal CT scan views in determining the status of the nasofrontal duct in patients with frontal sinus fractures.

Materials/Methods

This is a retrospective analysis evaluating 8 patients with frontal sinus fractures, from January 2005 to July 2007 at Lahey Clinic Medical Center. Axial, coronal, and sagittal CT scan views were obtained routinely as part of the facial trauma workup. These three views were evaluated to determine the status of the nasofrontal duct, with particular attention to key anatomic landmarks: uncinate process, the bulla ethmoidalis, the lamina papyracea, and the middle/superior turbinates.

Results/Conclusions

The results of the comparative analysis of these different views and their implications will be presented.