Resident Manual of Trauma to the Face, Head and Neck

CHAPTER 3: Upper Facial Trauma

Figure 3.1 Superior sagittal sinus.

posterior sinus wall to the anterior cranial fossa, these pathological entities can lead to the life-threatening complications of meningitis and brain abscess. B. Classification Some form of classification is necessary to describe the site and severity of injury, thus creating a meaningful treatment algorithm. First, the fractures should be classified according to site. As shown in Table 3.1, fractures can be further described according to their type. The classification system breaks down to a degree, because often multiple walls are fractured and some fractures are linear while others are displaced. The treatment plan should include addressing each individual site and each individual type of fracture.

Table 3.1. Classification of Frontal Sinus Fractures according to Site and Type Step 1: Fracture Site Classification Step 2: Fracture Type Classification

Anterior wall Posterior wall Floor Corner Through-and-through Frontonasal duct

Linear Displaced Compound Comminuted

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Resident Manual of Trauma to the Face, Head, and Neck