Laboratory Studies
- Base need for laboratory studies upon extent of concomitant nonfacial trauma.
- If injuries are isolated to face and surgery is planned, order preoperative laboratory tests.
Imaging Studies
- Nasal bone fractures
- Nasal bone fractures can be diagnosed clinically by history and physical examination. Plain nasal films consisting of a lateral view coning down on the nose and a Waters view can confirm the diagnosis but are of little practical use. If edema has resolved and no deformity is noted, x-rays are unnecessary.
- If deformity persists after resolution of edema, films may be obtained at follow-up to help plan the repair. Omission of ED films is cost-effective, since most nasal fractures do not need to be reduced.
- A study comparing ultrasonography with computed tomography in the diagnosis of nasal bone fractures concluded there was no significant difference in findings.[13]
- Nasoethmoidal fracture
- If nasal fracture is suspected and evidence suggests ethmoidal bone involvement, such as CSF rhinorrhea or widening of the nasal bridge with telecanthus, plain films are of little use.
- Coronal CT scan of the facial bones is the best test to determine the extent of fracture. A 3-D reconstruction may help the consultant should surgery be required.
- Zygoma fracture
- Best film for evaluating zygomatic arch is an underexposed submental view, also known as bucket handle view, because arches appear as bucket handles.
- Fracture also can be seen on a Waters view, and in some cases on a Towne view, of a facial series.
- Tripod fracture
- If tripod fracture is suspected, plain films should include Waters, Caldwell, and underexposed submental views.
- Waters view is best to evaluate the inferior orbital rim, maxillary extension of the zygoma, and the maxillary sinus.
- Caldwell view evaluates the frontal process of the zygoma and the zygomaticofrontal suture.
- Underexposed submental view evaluates the zygomatic arch.
- Coronal CT scan of facial bones often is used to better evaluate these fractures, especially with use of 3-D reconstruction to improve visualization of the fracture for reduction. If tripod fracture is suspected strongly, obtaining CT scan directly without plain films is probably most cost-effective.
- Le Fort fractures
- Coronal CT scan of facial bones has replaced plain films in evaluation of Le Fort fractures, especially with use of 3-D reconstruction. Since Le Fort fractures often are mixed from one side to the other, CT scan is superior to plain films and makes visualization of the fracture for repair much easier. If CT is not available, a facial series with lateral, Waters, and Caldwell views can be used to evaluate the fracture. Almost all Le Fort fractures cause blood to collect in the maxillary sinus.
- Le Fort I fractures: Imaging demonstrates a fracture extending horizontally across the inferior maxilla, sometimes including a fracture of the lateral sinus wall, extending into the palatine bones and pterygoid plates.
- Le Fort II fractures: Imaging demonstrates disruption of the inferior orbital rim lateral to the infraorbital canal and a fracture of the medial orbital wall and nasal bone. The fracture extends posteriorly into the pterygoid plates.
- Le Fort III fractures: Imaging demonstrates fractures at the zygomaticofrontal suture, zygoma, medial orbital wall, and nasal bone extending posteriorly through the orbit at the pterygomaxillary suture into the sphenopalatine fossa.
Other Tests
- Perform chest films if teeth are missing to rule out tooth aspiration.
- Test clear rhinorrhea for glucose. Nasal secretions, unlike CSF, are normally low in glucose. If blood is present, this test is unreliable. Blood-tinged fluid can be placed on filter paper to look for a double ring sign of CSF around blood, but this is not a reliable test.
Procedures
- When CSF rhinorrhea is suspected, fluorescein may be injected into the lumbar subarachnoid space. Observe with a Wood lamp 30 minutes later for fluorescence of nasal discharge; if present, this confirms CSF rhinorrhea. This procedure is not usually performed by emergency physicians.
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