Nasal and Septal Fractures Workup

  • Author: Daniel G Becker, MD; Chief Editor: Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA   more...
 
Updated: Apr 16, 2012
 

Imaging Studies

  • The use of radiography is controversial. Old fractures, vascular markings, and suture lines can lead to false-positive results. A Water's view can be used to evaluate the bony septum, dorsal pyramid, and lateral nasal walls. However, studies have shown that radiographs are not helpful in the diagnosis or management of nasal fractures.[4]
  • CT is more useful to assess for other associated injuries, as well as extent of nasal injury. Septal fractures may be more obviously depicted on these films. Because the nose occupies such a prominent and accessible position, careful examination is possible and may obviate any need for radiographic study.
  • Photographs are useful and necessary for documentation and for comparison with preinjury photos. Photographs should include the standard angles used in facial analysis: frontal, left and right lateral, left and right oblique, base view, and often a bird's eye or partial base view. A smiling lateral view can also be helpful to evaluate depressor septae nasalis function. While 35-mm film and cameras still allow a superior resolution, digital photography is quickly becoming more prevalent.
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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Daniel G Becker, MD  Assistant Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Daniel G Becker, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and American College of Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Adam T Ross, MD †  Former Director, Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Former Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina

Adam T Ross, MD † is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Medical Association, and South Carolina Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Hassan H Ramadan, MD, MSc  Professor and Vice-Chair, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University School of Medicine

Hassan H Ramadan, MD, MSc is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Surgeons, and American Rhinologic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Stephen G Batuello, MD  Consulting Staff, Colorado ENT Specialists

Stephen G Batuello, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Physician Executives, American Medical Association, and Colorado Medical Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Christopher L Slack, MD  Private Practice in Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery, Associated Coastal ENT; Medical Director, Treasure Coast Sleep Disorders

Christopher L Slack, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA  Professor of Otolaryngology, Dentistry, and Engineering, University of Colorado School of Medicine

Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and American Head and Neck Society

Disclosure: Covidien Corp Consulting fee Consulting; US Tobacco Corporation Unrestricted gift Unknown; Axis Three Corporation Ownership interest Consulting; Omni Biosciences Ownership interest Consulting; Sentegra Ownership interest Board membership; Medvoy Ownership interest Management position; Cerescan Imaging Consulting; Headwatersmb Consulting fee Consulting; Venturequest Royalty Consulting

Additional Contributors

The authors and editors of eMedicine gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous author Adam T Ross, MD, to the development and writing of this article.

References

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  19. Toriumi DM, Becker DG. Rhinoplasty Dissection Manual. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins;1999.

 
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Oblique view.
Lateral view.
Nasal septum.
 
 
 
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