Ultrasound-Guided Closed Reduction of Nasal Bone Fracture

Yang, Hyung Eun; Park, Eun Soo; Cha, Jang Gyu; Kim, Cheol Han; Kim, Jun Hyuk; Kim, Yong Bae

Abstract

PURPOSE: Nasal bone fracture may be the most common fracture among facial trauma. However, diagnosis and treatment tend to be overlooked while the reduction and maintenance of fragments remain complicated. Thus, the results are plagued with high rate of nasal deformity which leads cosmetic and functional discomfort. We took advantage of the fact that the nasal bone is one of the thinnest facial bone while at the same time being located close to the skin and utilized ultrasound in performing reduction of nasal bone.
METHODS
This method was performed on 25 patients with nasal bone fracture. The CL 15-7 linear array transducer (10-15MHz) ultrasound which provides a total of 7 views (3 axial views and 4 transverse views) of the elevator under the bony fragments was enough for the surgeon to accurately perform the reduction.
RESULTS
In our class, an accurate and precise reduction has been made possible by real time images before, during, and after the procedure with the help of ultrasound while reducing the exposure to radiation.
CONCLUSION
Compared to previous methods, satisfaction of patients has increased in the nasal tip, minimal fracture of the side wall and secondary reduction cases. Therefore, the incorporation of ultrasound in the closed reduction of nasal bone may prove to be a useful method.