Reduction of nasal bone fractures: a comparative study of general, local, and topical anesthesia techniques.

UNLABELLED

The aim of the current study of nasal bone fracture reduction carried out under topical, local, and general anesthesia was to suggest a proper treatment of patients with nose fractures.

METHOD

The patient candidates for close nasal bone reduction (CNR) were divided into 3 groups: topical anesthesia (TA), local anesthesia (LA), and general anesthesia (GA), and CNR was performed. After reduction, pain scores and satisfaction and failure rates after 2 and 30 days were noted. All the patients were followed up for at least 1 month.

RESULTS

The mean pain scores (TA = 2.35, LA = 2.47, and GA = 1.9) showed no significant difference among these 3 groups (P > 0.05). The percentages of the patients' satisfaction in the groups were as follows: TA = 84.6%, LA = 83.8%, and GA = 91.7%. These values had no statistical difference (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference among the failure rates on the second day and after 1 month of follow-up (after 2 d, TA = 10%, LA = 18%, and GA = 14%, and after 1 month, TA = 2%, LA = 7%, and GA = 5%).

CONCLUSIONS

If the selection of patients is done properly, CNR under TA/LA will have considerable success in comparison with GA. Topical anesthesia is suggested in simple nasal fracture with unilateral depression or minimal displacement.