Influence of nasal bone fracture and its reduction on the airway

Studies regarding nasal bone fractures have mainly focused on esthetic aspects, but the nose also plays an important role as an airway. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of nasal bone fractures and the treatment of nasal bone fractures on nasal obstruction. Nasal bone fractures were classified by fracture site and septal displacement. Nasal airways were investigated at 3 time points: before reduction (n = 84), 6 days postreduction (n = 84), and 1-year postreduction (n = 27). Airway changes were based on minimal cross-sectional area measurements. The severity of airway obstruction following fracture differed according to the fracture site and the presence of septal displacement. Bilateral fractures caused more profound airway obstruction than unilateral or tip fractures and septal displacement was the most important parameter in nasal obstruction. Airway obstruction improved immediately after reduction by 21% and deteriorated by 4% 1-year postreduction.