Nasal Bone Fractures: Differences Amongst Sub-Specialty Consultants

Comparison of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Nasal Bone Fracture by Physicians in China With Different Levels of Experience

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the conflicts in the diagnosis and treatment of nasal bone fracture by Chinese otolaryngologists to improve the diagnosis and treatment accuracy of junior otolaryngologists and emergency physicians.

METHODS

A questionnaire was designed and filled out by otolaryngologists in large general hospitals. The questions included how to choose an auxiliary examination to diagnose nasal bone fracture, whether tamponade is required after closed reduction, the selection of packing materials, the timing of an operation, and the evaluation of postoperative effect. The questionnaire results were divided into 3 groups according to the experience levels of experienced of physicians.

RESULTS

A total of 151 otolaryngologists with different levels of experience from 26 provinces in China completed the questionnaire. 90.73% of physicians thought that nasal bone computed tomography was the most important auxiliary examination to diagnose a nasal bone fracture. 52.32% of them compared photos before and after the operation to evaluate postoperative effects. About 53% of physicians thought that 7 to 10 days after reducing local swelling is the optimal time for closed reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no obvious difference in the diagnosis and treatment of nasal bone fracture among otolaryngologists with different levels of experience in Chinese otolaryngologists with different levels. Most physicians choose nasal bone computed tomography for diagnosis, perform surgery at 7 to 10 days after injury, and compare photos from before and after the operation to evaluate the postoperative effect.

Nasal Fractures

This article outlines current methods in the evaluation and management of nasal fractures including clinical workup, imaging, and treatment.