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The Paranasal Sinuses in Facial Trauma

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Diseases of the Sinuses

Abstract

The paranasal sinuses are often involved in facial trauma (Le Fort fractures, zygomaticomaxillary and nasoorbitoethmoid complex fractures). Road traffic collisions represent the main cause following by aggressions. The type of fractures varies considerably, ranging from isolated sinus fractures to more complex injuries. CT scan and modern imaging techniques have improved the diagnosis and the management of craniofacial trauma, allowing a better understanding of the anatomy and a more precise and focused surgical planning.

Fracture lines not always follow the classic patterns described by Le Fort; this is due to the high-energy forces leading often to devastating skeletal injuries. Sinus hematoma is a constant clinical sign, which can be found in almost every kind of traumatic sinus lesion. A multidisciplinary approach is often required for panfacial trauma. In case of ocular and neurological involvement, ophthalmologists and neurosurgeons are essential for the management.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Claudio Schonauer, neurosurgeon, for his contribution on frontal sinus obliteration with the galeal flap; Alvaro Antonio Diano, neuroradiologist, for providing normal 3D CT scans; Enzo Facciuto, maxillofacial surgeon, for providing some clinical images; Giuseppe De Maria, maxillofacial surgeon, for his precious contribution on literature search; and Antonio Savanelli, dentist, for his precious contribution on epidemiology and tables.

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Correspondence to Carmine Taglialatela Scafati MD, FEBOMFS .

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Scafati, C.T., Scafati, S.T. (2014). The Paranasal Sinuses in Facial Trauma. In: Chang, C., Incaudo, G., Gershwin, M. (eds) Diseases of the Sinuses. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0265-1_30

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