Postsurgical predictive theoretical thickness (PTT) of frontal sinus anterior wall as key point in surgical management of frontal bossing: Proposal of a new analytic method

BACKGROUND: Frontal bossing is a malformation characterized by peculiar prominent forehead, and commonly it can be associated with cranial synostosis and endocrine disorder; however, nonsyndromic conditions are described as well.Literature controversies on proper frontal bossing surgical treatment showed evidence of 2 main surgical procedures: frontal bone reshaping and bone en bloc mobilization.A decision-making criterion between these 2 techniques has never been described in literature. METHODS: In this paper, the authors introduce their brand-new analytic method for decision-making between bur shaping and en bloc mobilization in frontal bossing treatment, and describe a successful case of a nonsyndromic frontal bossing patient, treated with their unconventional surgical technique. RESULTS: Our analytic method indicated that bur shaping was not indicated in this particular case: aggressive remodeling of excessive thin wall could lead to sinus perforation, which could turn into unsatisfied aesthetic and functional outcome.So we planned for a bilateral orbitofrontal en bloc reposition, followed by internal rigid fixation. No postoperative complications occurred. Postoperative CT scan revealed good bone repositioning and recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The authors explained their analytic method based on careful presurgical CT-scan measurements for decision-making between bur shaping and en bloc mobilization. Copyright © 2013 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.