Air sinus wounds: an analysis of 163 consecutive cases incurred in the Korean War, 1950-1952.

Review of 1105 records patients with penetrating craniocerebral injuries incurred in the Korean War revealed 163 cases with air sinus wounds, an incidence of 14.8%. The characteristics of these wounds and their surgical management have been described. Foremost among the complications of air sinus wounds are the development of a cerebrospinal fluid fistula and the occurrence of posttraumatic infection. Prompt and radical debridement with exenteration of the affected sinus and watertight closure of the dura mater represent the key to the reduction of complications when dealing with penetrating wounds involving the air sinuses.