Evaluation the Accuracy of Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Nasal Bone Fractures

Abstract

Introduction: The nose is a prominent structure in the midline of the face and has functional and cosmetic roles. It is important that nasal bone fractures be properly diagnosed and adequately treated; therefore, an accurate diagnostic method is necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of nasal bone fractures. Methods: Fifteen patients (10 men and 5 women) with mid-facial traumas were evaluated. All the patients had CT scans with coronal and axial sections from mid-facial region, and their CT results had shown unilateral nasal fracture. All the patients underwent bilateral ultrasonography examinations with a 13-MHz surface probe(Samsung Madison Ultrasonic System, Model Accuvix 20, South Korea). The sonograms were compared with CT findings to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography in detecting nasal bone fractures. Results: Based on CT findings a unilateral nasal bone fracture was diagnosed in all the 15 patients (8 right side unilateral fractures and 7 left side unilateral fractures); ultrasonography diagnosed the fractured and non-fractured bone sides in all the patients. By considering CT as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography in assessing nasal bone fractures, in comparison with CT, was 100. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, ultrasonography is a reliable method for the diagnosis of nasal bone fractures and can be used as an alternative primary technique in the diagnosis of nasal bone fractures.