Comparison of the outcomes of nasal bone reduction using serial imaging

BACKGROUND: Nasal bone fractures are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Although fracture reduction is simple and correction requires a short operative time, low patient satisfaction and relatively high complication rates remain issues for many surgeons. These challenges may result from inaccuracies in fracture recognition and assessment or inappropriate surgical planning. Findings from immediate postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans and those performed at 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively were compared to evaluate the accuracy and outcomes of nasal fracture reduction. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with nasal bone fractures at our department who underwent closed reduction surgery. Patients who did not undergo additional CT scans were excluded from the study. Clinical examinations, patient records, and radiographic images were evaluated in 20 patients with nasal bone fractures. RESULTS: CT findings from immediately after surgery and a 1month follow-up were compared in 20 patients. Satisfactory nasal projection and aesthetically acceptable results were observed in patients with accurate correction or mild overcorrection, while undercorrection was associated with unfavorable results. CONCLUSION: Closed reduction surgery for correcting nasal bone fractures usually provides acceptable outcomes with relatively few complications. If available, immediate postoperative CT scans are recommended to guide surgeons in the choice of whether to perform secondary adjustments if the initial results are unsatisfactory. Based on photogrammetric data, nasal bone reduction with accurate correction or mild overcorrection achieved acceptable and stable outcomes at 1 month postoperatively. Therefore, when upward dislocation is observed on postoperative CT, one can simply observe without a subsequent intervention.