Effectiveness of out-fracture of the inferior turbinate with reduction nasal bone fracture.

Background: The nasal bone, being the most protruding bone in the center of the facial bones, is particularly susceptible to damage. Nasal bone fractures can often result in secondary deformation and dysfunction of the nose, including septal fractures. Studies on functional or intra-nasal complications have been rarely reported after nasal bone fracture reduction.

Aim: To evaluate the severity of nasal obstruction and its improvement following nasal bone fracture reduction using inferior turbinoplasty.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of data from 50 patients with symptomatic nasal obstruction between January to December 2010. All patients underwent preoperative Computed tomography evaluation, and symptom changes and nasal cavity volume were analyzed using a visual analog scale and acoustic rhinometry before and after surgery. Closed reduction and out-fracture of both inferior turbinates performed by the same surgeon. Treatment outcomes were assessed by comparing changes in the nasal airway volume measured using acoustic rhinometry before and after surgery. The minimal cross-sectional area (MCA) was also analyzed based on the Stranc classification.

Results: Before reduction, the mean MCA for all cases was 0.59 ± 0.06 cm, which represented an 11% decrease compared to the average size of a Korean adult (0.65 ± 0.03 cm). The MCA for frontal impact was 0.60 ± 0.02 cm and for lateral impact, it was 0.58 ± 0.03 cm. After reduction inferior turbinoplasty, the MCA improved to 0.64 ± 0.04 cm.

Conclusion: This study suggests that turbinoplasty is helpful in addressing nasal obstruction. Out-fracture of the inferior turbinate is an effective and durable technique that can be easily performed to enlarge the nasal airway with minimal morbidity.