A new study published in Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine aimed to investigate the incidence of damage to adjacent structures in the setting of a nasal bone fracture.

This retrospective study reviewed 1,193 patients with midfacial fractures having nasal trauma. Characteristics of fractures of the nasal bone and incidence of coincident fractures of the frontal process of maxilla, bony nasal septum and medial or inferior orbital walls were analyzed.

The findings showed that bilateral fractures of the nasal bone were most common (69.24%), and incidence rates of coexistent fracture of the frontal process of the maxilla and bony nasal septum were 66.89% and 42.25%, respectively. Meanwhile, coincident fracture of the orbital walls was observed in 16.51% of patients. In a majority of the cases, the etiology of fracture, especially among the younger and elderly groups, was fall. Whereas in the adult group, the most common etiology was assault.

The results indicated that external force applied to the nasal bone can also lead to coexistent fracture of adjacent bony structures – including the frontal process of the maxilla, nasal septum and orbital walls.

Source: Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine. 2020 Apr 6. doi: 10.1089/fpsam.2020.0026.