Frontal Sinus Repair Through a Frontalis Rhytid Approach

Frontal sinus fractures have traditionally been repaired through a bicoronal approach. This incision provides a wide exposure, but is not without complications, particularly in the patient with or at risk for hairline recession. We present a series of 15 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of anterior table frontal sinus fractures through a frontalis rhytid forehead incision and their results based on the scar appearance, forehead contour, frontalis function, sensation and fracture reduction. Paresthesias cranial to the incision in the supraorbital or supratrochlear distribution were noted in 12 of the 15 patients with resolution in all except 1 patient who did not regain sensation at 4 months follow-up. In all patients, satisfactory forehead contour and fracture reduction were achieved, as were scar appearance and frontalis function at 4 months follow-up. We thus recommend this approach in the treatment of anterior table frontal sinus fractures, with special consideration for the patient with or at risk for anterior hairline recession.