Frontal Sinus Reconstruction

Frontal sinus reconstruction may be necessary following severe blunt or penetrating trauma, tumor resection, or chronic infection. Failure to properly assess and reconstruct the anatomic barrier between the sinonasal and intracranial contents can lead to long-term complications, including cosmetic deformity, mucocele, mucopyocele, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, meningitis, and brain abscesses. Traditional management of frontal sinus defects typically involved obliteration with or without cranialization. Contemporary management of the frontal sinus has become more conservative in the past couple of decades due to advancements in endoscopic techniques and a better understanding of the frontal sinus outflow tract. Herein, we discuss the evaluation and reconstructive options of the frontal sinus.