Frontal sinus obliteration using a laterally based pedicled pericranial flap

Objective: Fractures of the frontal sinus represent one of the more uncommo n injuries of the maxillofacial skeleton. In an effort to avoid potential m ucocele formation, frontal sinus obliteration has been put forward as the t reatment of choice when there has been significant disruption of normal fro ntal sinus drainage, Traditionally, sinus obliteration has been accomplishe d with nonvascularized free adipose tissue or bone grafts and a variety of alloplastic materials. We developed a laterally based pedicled pericranial flap to accomplish frontal sinus obliteration. Study Design/Methods: A tota l of 10 consecutive patients underwent obliteration of the frontal sinus wi th a vascularized, pedicled, laterally based pericranial flap. The patients were clinically followed prospectively to ascertain whether any adverse ef fects could be detected. Results: With a follow-up ranging from 6 months to 2 years, we have observed no adverse effects in any of the patients in who m this procedure was performed. Conclusions: Based on our preliminary resul ts, we believe that the laterally based pedicled pericranial flap appears t o provide readily available vascularized tissue, with no distant donor morb idity, It represents an inexpensive, safe, and effective modality that shou ld be considered when treating this type of injury.