ANTERIOR SKULL BASE FRACTURES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT AN EXPERIENCE OF 89 CASES

Dr. Sanjeev Kumar; Dr. Debabrata Sahana; Dr. Rajiv Sahu; Dr. Amit Jain

Volume : VI, Issue : VIII, August - 2017

ANTERIOR SKULL BASE FRACTURES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT AN EXPERIENCE OF 89 CASES

Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Dr. Debabrata Sahana, Dr. Rajiv Sahu, Dr. Amit Jain

Abstract :

Introduction: Anterior skull base fractures are the most common skull base fractures. The risk of CSF leak and meningitis complicates its management. Majority of patient can be managed conservatively. Persistent CSF leaks require surgical intervention. We here describe our cases series with review of literature.

Material and Methods: This is a retrospective case study of 89 cases of anterior skull base fractures between Jan 2015 to June 2017. All data were recorded from case files and demographic, clinical and final outcome studied.

Results: Out of 89 cases, 46 had CSF leaks. Of all cases presented with CSF leaks, 30 were stopped with conservative management. Only 16 cases required operative intervention. One patient developed meningitis.

Conclusion: Majority of cases of post traumatic skull base fractures can be managed conservatively. Only few patients who has persistent CSF leak beyond 7 days requires surgical intervention.