Use of hydroxyapatite bone cement to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leakage through the frontal sinus: technical report.

OBJECTIVE

To test the efficacy of a simple technique of frontal sinus obliteration during low frontal craniotomy using hydroxyapatite cement instead of more traditional methods, such as pericranial flaps, free muscle or adipose grafts, lumbar drainage, or fibrin glue.

METHODS

Eight patients undergoing low frontal craniotomy for intradural surgery had the frontal sinus obliterated by careful removal of mucosa followed by filling of the sinus with hydroxyapatite bone cement. No other adjuncts for preventing cerebrospinal fluid leakage through the sinus were used.

RESULTS

At an average follow-up of 9 months, there were no cerebrospinal fluid leaks, infections, instances of resorption, or cosmetic deformities.

CONCLUSION

Hydroxyapatite bone cement seems to be a simple and effective method for frontal sinus obliteration and prevention of cerebrospinal fluid leakage.