Abhilasha Sadhoo1, Manish Sharma2, Padam Singh3
BACKGROUND
Nasal bone fractures are distinctive due to their anatomical complexity area and associated psychological effects. An understanding of the epidemiology of these fractures is important to develop preventive measures, increase the efficiency and delivery of health services, improve the skills of healthcare providers and better distribute resources. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the approach towards management and outcomes of nasal bone fractures in tertiary care centre at Jammu.
The aim of the study is to evaluate the approach towards management and outcomes of nasal bone fractures in tertiary care centre at Jammu.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Patients of maxillofacial injuries presenting to the hospital who had nasal bone fractures only were included in the study. The study period was from November 2009 to October 2010.
Statistical Analysis- The data was tabulated and analysed in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet (version 2007).
Setting- Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh Hospital, Government Medical College, Jammu.
Design- Prospective cross-sectional study.
RESULTS
In our study, majority cases were more common in urban areas and in males (80%). Younger age group (21-30) was most commonly affected. The fractures were most commonly associated with Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) in 23 cases, assault in 7 cases and falls in 3 cases. Common clinical presentations were epistaxis, swelling and tenderness, nasal obstruction, external deformity and crepitus seen in all the cases of nasal fractures. Class II fractures were seen most commonly (51.42%) followed by class I fractures (42.85%). X-rays of the nasal bone demonstrated (88.57%) of the cases. Closed reduction was mode of treatment in 19 cases, 6 cases needed open reduction while 10 patients with undisplaced fractures were treated conservatively.
CONCLUSION
Even though the current protocols in the management of nasal bone fracture are quite efficient a uniform protocol is still missing. Several techniques are used in individual fracture depending on the course of fracture, surgeon’s experience and patient’s preference. So, we conclude that long-term and multicentre collection of data about nasal trauma is important to develop standard protocols and consensus.
