Changes in fresh nasal bone fractures with time on computed tomographic scans.

Abstract

Twenty cases of fresh nasal bone fractures were examined for which computed tomographic (CT) scans were obtained at the time of initial consultation, immediately after surgery, and 1 month after surgery. CT scans were obtained in the axial position from the nasal bone to the nasal apex, with slice intervals and slice thicknesses of 2 mm. For evaluation after reduction, classification of fracture and measurement of angle (0) of the fractured portion were performed by CT examination. The authors considered angles close to 0 deg to indicate good reduction. In addition, they performed overall evaluation based on the shape of the arch formed by the nasal bone and maxilla. Based on this, they compared the result of evaluation immediately after surgery with that found 1 month after surgery. Evaluation of reduction by CT examination performed immediately after surgery revealed excellent results in 2 patients, good results in 10 patients, and fair results in 8 patients. Reevaluation of reduction by CT 1 month after surgery revealed excellent results in 10 patients, good results in 9 patients, and fair results in 1 patient. The shape of the nasal bone tended to improve with time.