Identifying a Trauma Patient Who Should Undergo a CT Scan to Examine the Frontal Sinus

 

Physical findings:

(1) forehead ecchymosis or hematoma

(2) forehead laceration

(3) bony step in the glabella or supraorbital ridge

(4) penetrating forehead injury

 

Fractures:

(1) zygoma

(2) nasal

(3) orbital roof or floor

(4) LeFort I, II or III

(5) mandibular

 

Ocular injuries:

(1) damage to the globe

(2) cranial nerve palsy or sensory loss involving the II, III, IV, V (frontal nerve), VI nerves

(3) subconjunctival ecchymosis

(4) retinal detachment

(5) diplopia on upward or downward gaze

 

Other findings:

(1) CSF rhinorrhea or otorrhea

(2) differences seen on transilluminating both frontal sinuses