The Value of Facial Bone CAT Scan in the Diagnosis of the Nasal Bone Fracture.

Purpose: The nasal bone fracture is the most common type of facial bone fracture. In making a diagnosis, physical findings are much more important than the simple radiologic findings. Facial bone CAT scan can provide the accurate diagnosis and the correct location of nasal bone fractures, so it can be lessoned with proper intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of facial bone CAT scan in the diagnosis of nasal bone fractures.Methods: The medical records and facial bone CAT scan of 45 patients clinically suspected nasal bone fracture but was not diagnosed on simple radiologic findings were analyzed.Results: All of the 45 patients were confirmed as nasal bone fractures in the facial bone CAT scan. The most common cause of fracture was assault. The mean age was 23.2 years. Physical findings were tenderness (100%), swelling(93.3%), epistaxis(66.6%), deviation (42.2 %), external wound(17.7%) and crepitus(4.4%) in order. Conclusions: It was concluded that the simple radiologic findings can not be conclusive, where the physical findings indicate a suspected nasal bone fracture. The facial bone CAT scan was more reliable for the correct diagnosis and follow-on treatment.