Comparison of Ultrasonography and Conventional Radiography in the Diagnosis of New Nasal Bone Fractures in Adults

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/bbra/1598

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Nasal bone fracture is the most commonly seen facial fracture. Conventional nasal radiography, in some cases, cannot help its diagnosis. Recently ultrasonography has been used to diagnose these fractures. The diagnosis is made by physical examination. The aim of this study was comparison of ultrasonography and conventional radiography in the diagnosis of new nasal bone fractures in adults. This study is a prospective study which was performed among 124 patients more than 15 years old suffering from new nasal bone fractures. The sonographist was not aware of the results of clinical examinations and conventional nasal radiographies. The bilateral nasal radiography, waters view and nasal bone ultrasonography were carried out in all patients and the results were compared to the patient’s clinical examinations. In diagnosis of nasal dorsum fracture, lateral XRays sensitivity was 64% and specificity was 77.1% (P-Value < 0.05) and ultrasound sensitivity was 95.5% and specificity was 97.1% (P-Value = 0.375). In diagnosis of nasal lateral fracture, Waters view sensitivity was 53.7% and specificity was 78.6% (P-Value = 0.375) and ultrasound sensitivity was 88.9%and specificity was 98.6% (P-Value = 0.125). We found that in diagnosis of nasal bone fractures in adults, ultrasonography is more sensitive and specific than conventional X-Rays. Therefore according to our experiences, ultrasonography is superior over conventional X-Rays in the diagnosis of new nasal bone fractures in adults.

Nasal Fractures; Lateral Nasal X-Ray; Waters View; Ultrasonography