Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhœa, Meningitis and Pneumocephalus due to Non‐Missile Injuries1

The management of 75 patients with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhœa, meningitis and aerocele due to non‐missile injuries of the anterior fossa is reviewed. In all, 78 operations were done with one delayed death. Fifty‐nine patients had cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhœa, 24 had meningitis as the leading symptoms, and there were 21 with pneumocephalus. Bilateral defects of the anterior fossa were common, and bilateral exploration has become mandatory. The most important prophylactic surgery is the adequate repair of open cranio‐maxillo‐facial injuries. The problem of early operation for transitory cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhœa is discussed.