Nasal Trauma: Who Nose what happens to the non-manipulated?

BACKGROUND: Nasal trauma is the most common facial injury worldwide. Prompt assessment allows for recognition of injuries requiring surgical intervention in the form of nasal bone manipulation. The literature is unclear to what extent patients undergoing conservative management subsequently require surgical intervention. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients presenting with nasal injury between July 2017 and July 2018 who underwent conservative and surgical management was undertaken. Re-referral and subsequent surgical intervention were documented. RESULTS: In a cohort of 390 patients with nasal injury 229 patients underwent conservative management. Average age was 29 years. Males comprised 60% of our conservative cohort and 81% of the manipulated cohort. 8.3% of patients managed conservatively and 12% of those undergoing manipulation were re-referred. CONCLUSION: Nasal trauma assessment is a significant workload for an ENT unit. Conservative management is appropriate following clinical assessment and does not lead to increased intervention compared with those who are surgically manipulated.