Trauma has become the most common pathologic entity requiring operative intervention in the frontal sinus. Treatment has evolved from simple open drainage to ablation with reconstruction at a later date. Methyl-
methacrylate, currently the most widely used alloplastic material, has inherent disadvantages such as two-stage reconstruction, difficulty in handling and molding, and susceptibility to
trauma. The present investigation evaluates
Proplast, a biocompatible
Teflon fluorocarbon polymer implant, in one and two-stage frontal reconstruction following traumatic defects to the canine frontal sinus. Following the loss of anterior or posterior frontal bone,
Proplast provided excellent cosmetic reconstruction over a period of one year. Resistance to
infection was good, reaction with dura and brain was absent, and
cerebrospinal fluid leaks sealed rapidly. In contrast to other alloplastic materials, rapid vascularization and
collagen ingrowth lead to stabilization rather than sequestration. Several advantages over alloplastic and metallic implants may give
Proplast a unique potential in operative cranioplasty.