Comparison between radiological and clinical findings in diagnosis of nasal fractures

Nasal fracture is one of the most common cases referred to the ENT clinics. This study aimed to determine the value of conventional radiography in the diagnosis of patients with nasal injuries. In this study, all patients with nasal injury referred to the Emergency Department of Imam Khomeini, Ahvaz, Iran, were reviewed. After Radiography was done, cases were investigated. Of the 174 patients that had clinical diagnos is of nasal fracture, just 74% (141 cases) had positive findings in Radiology. For fractures and 19% (33 patients) had no findings for nasal fracture in X-ray. 26% (48 patients) had significant ecchymosis and 72% (126 cases) had no periorbital ecchymosis. Radiolography in nasal fracture is benefit less than clinical examination. But, it is recommended to confirm the diagnosis of clinically suspected cases and for legal issues.