Examination of the Clinic, Radiologic, and Demographic Characteristics of 436 Patients with Nasal Fracture

Abstract:

Background: The aim of this study is to retrospectively investigate the demographic characteristics, mechanism of injury, physical examination and radiological findings, types of fractures, accompanying injuries, and treatment methods of adult patients who presented with nasal fracture.

Methods: The data of 436 adult patients diagnosed with nasal fracture within a period of 2 years in a tertiary hospital were used for this study. Along with demographic characteristics of the cases, mechanism of injury, time interval between admission and injury, radiological methods applied, type of nasal fracture, accompanying injuries, presence of septal hematoma, whether reduction was performed or not, and whether it was a medico-legal case were investigated.

Results: Nasal fractures were more common in men, with a total of 301 (69%) male patients and a mean age of 36.2. Type I and II nasal fractures were the most common in both genders. Computed tomography was used in 198 (45.4%) patients, while direct radiography was used in 180 (41.3%) patients. The most common accompanying injury was maxillary bone fracture. Reduction was applied to 183 (42%) patients with nasal fractures. Septal hematoma was present in 4.8% of cases.

Conclusion: Nasal fracture is more commonly seen in men. Falling is the most common cause of nasal fracture in all age groups. Although it is no longer recommended as much for fracture investigation, direct radiography is still frequently used. The presence of septal hematoma should always be investigated in nasal fracture cases, and early intervention should be performed if septal hematoma is detected in order to prevent complications.