Comparison of 2 preferred methods used for frontal sinus obliteration

Purpose: This study was undertaken to compare total operating room cost, total operating time, and potential complications in frontal sinus obliteration using 2 different techniques. Patients and Methods: Hospital records of all patients with frontal sinus fractures treated by the Division of Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Florida, Jacksonville between October 1998 and December 2003 were reviewed. Twelve patients required frontal sinus obliteration based on the severity and location of injury. All cases were caused by traumatic etiology. Patients were divided into group A or B. Six patients (group A) were treated using autogenous abdominal fat for obliteration purposes, while the other 6 patients (group B) underwent frontal sinus obliteration using a hydroxyapatite cement. Total operating cost, total operating time, and any complications were recorded and analyzed for each group and then statistically evaluated using a t test. Results: Follow-up ranged from 2 weeks to 6 months. Patients in group A had a lower total operating cost compared with group B. This cost difference was statistically significant. Total operating time was slightly greater in group A versus group B, although this was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Frontal sinus obliteration using autogenous abdominal fat appears to be more cost effective compared with hydroxyapatite cement. The slight difference in total operating time was not statistically significant and this factor alone should not be a deterrent from performing this surgical procedure.