Traumatic injuries to the cartilage of the nose.

Injuries to the cartilaginous structures of the nose can arise after minor trauma and without a concomitant nasal fracture. They are diagnosed with a thorough clinical examination and can, if not diagnosed and treated in the acute phase, result in nasal/septal deformation, saddle nose or abscess formation with subsequent intracranial spreading of the infection. Even with proper treatment in the acute phase, the cartilage often heals with deviation. This can result in functional and cosmetic problems which may require later reconstructive surgery, as argued in this review.

Pediatric Nasal and Septal Fractures.

Pediatric nasal bone and septal fractures represent a large number of craniofacial injuries in children each year. Due to their differences in anatomy and potential for growth and development, the management of these injuries varies slightly from that of the adult population. As with most pediatric fractures, there is a bias toward less-invasive management to limit disruption to future growth. Often this includes closed reduction and splinting in the acute setting followed by open septorhinoplasty at skeletal maturity as needed. The overall goal of treatment is to restore the nose to its preinjury shape, structure, and function.

Lesão de septo nasal em recém-nascidos hospitalizados: estudo descritivo exploratório / Nasal septal injury in hospitalized newborns: exploratory descriptive study

OBJETIVO: Identificar e descrever o perfil de recém-nascidos que apresentaram lesão de septo nasal em uso de Ventilação Não Invasiva e o tratamento utilizado. MÉTODO: Pesquisa descritiva, exploratória, com coleta retrospectiva de dados em prontuários de recém-nascidos hospitalizados entre janeiro/2020 a dezembro/2021, por meio de um instrumento estruturado, com análise de frequência descritiva simples. RESULTADOS: A lesão de septo nasal foi identificada em 19,0% dos recém-nascidos, com idade gestacional entre 30-35 semanas e peso ao nascer <1.500 gramas. O Estágio da lesão mais frequente foi I, tratado com Askina spray + rodízio de prongas, seguida de Hidrocoloide + Dersani Hidrogel, entre 1-7 dias (36,4%). CONCLUSÃO: A equipe de enfermagem depara-se com dificuldades na abordagem ao recém-nascido submetido a ventilação não invasiva com pronga, tornando-se relevante investir em sua qualificação e em protocolos assistenciais de cuidados com a pele para o desempenho de uma assistência segura e humanizada.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and describe the profile of newborns who presented nasal septal injury using Noninvasive Ventilation and the treatment used. METHOD: Descriptive, exploratory research, with retrospective data collection in medical records of newborns hospitalized between January/2020 and December/2021, through a structured instrument, with simple descriptive frequency analysis. RESULTS: Nasal septal injury was identified in 19.0% of newborns, with gestational age between 30-35 weeks and birth weight <1,500 grams. The most frequent stage of injury was I, treated with Askina spray + prong rotation, followed by Hydrocolloid + Dersani Hydrogel, between 1-7 days (36.4%). CONCLUSION: The nursing team encounters difficulties in the approach to newborns submitted to noninvasive ventilation with prong, making it relevant to invest in their qualification and in care protocols for skin care and for the performance of safe and humanized care.

Unusual Causes of Nasal Septal Abscess Including a COVID-19 Swab Test After Nasal Surgery.

A nasal septal abscess is a rare lesion that usually results from a nasal septal hematoma after nasal trauma or surgery, although it can occur unexpectedly. Nasal septal abscesses should be prevented and treated immediately. The authors describe 2 unusual cases: 1 caused by sudden loosening of the quilting suture of the nasal septum and the other by a nasopharyngeal swab test for coronavirus disease-2019. The authors also provide an intraoperative video and a literature review.

A Novel Septoplasty Technique for Patients With Nasal Fractures.

ABSTRACT: Nasal structures have both functional and cosmetic significance. These structures maintain the shape of the nose and regulate the nasal airflow. During trauma, fractures of the nasal bone are frequently associated with nasal septum deviations. This can lead to the nasal bone collapsing and nasal obstruction. The septoplasty technique is a major surgical intervention to improve nasal obstructions, with the submucosal resection of the deviated septum. In the past, septoplasty was deferred until the nasal bone fracture was healed to reduce the postoperative risk of saddle-nose and flat nose deformities. Advances in technology have enabled surgeons to attempt septoplasty together with a closed reduction of the nasal bone fraction. It is most important to preserve the septal support structure during surgery. Hence, we advocate that the nasal septum be reset in the midline rather than removed, by modified endoscopic septoplasty.

Effect of septoplasty on left ventricular myocardial performance in patients with nasal septum deviation.

INTRODUCTION: Nasal septum deviation is the leading cause of upper airway obstruction. Chronic upper airway obstruction may cause myocardial injury due to chronic hypoxia. Effects of septoplasty on left venticular diastolic and sistolic functions are not well known. The myocardial performance index is an easy-to-apply and reliable parameter that reflects systolic and diastolic cardiac functions. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of nasal septoplasty on the myocardial performance index in patients with nasal septal deviation. METHODS: This prospective study consisted of 50 consecutive patients who underwent septoplasty due to symptomatic prominent C- or S-shaped nasal septal deviation. Transthoracic echocardiogarphy was performed in all patients before and 3 months after septoplasty. Calculated myocardial performance indices were compared. RESULTS: Significantly higher left ventricular myocardial performance index (0.52 ±â€¯0.06 vs. 0.41 ±â€¯0.04, p <  0.001), longer isovolumic relaxation time (95.0 ± 12.5 vs. 78.0 ± 8.6 ms, p <  0.001), longer isovolumic contraction time (45.5 ± 7.8 vs. 39.5 ± 8.6 ms, p <  0.001), longer deceleration time (184.3 ± 32.5 vs. 163.6 ± 45.4 ms, p =  0.004), higher ratio of transmitral early to late peak velocities (E/A) (1.42 ± 0.4 vs. 1.16 ± 0.2, p =  0.006) and shorter ejection time (270.1 ± 18.3 vs. 286.5 ± 25.8 ms, p <  0.001) were observed before septoplasty when compared to values obtained 3 months after septoplasty. Left ventricular systolic ejection fraction was similar before and after septoplasty (63.8±2.8% vs. 64.6±3.2%, p  = 0.224). CONCLUSION: Septoplasty surgery not only reduces nasal blockage symptoms in nasal septal deviation patients but also may improve left ventricular performance. Thus, treatment of nasal septal deviation without delay is suggested to prevent possible future cardiovascular events.

Changes in the Time-Domain of Heart Rate Variability and Corticosterone after Surgical Trauma to the Nasal Septum in Rats.

The aim of the work was to study changes in the time range of heart rate variability (HRV) against the background of changes in the concentration of corticosterone in blood plasma in rats after surgical trauma to the nasal septum. Septoplasty was simulated in 30 mature male Wistar rats weighing 210-290 g. ECG was recorded with subsequent analysis of the time domain of HRV, as well as blood sampling to estimate changes in the concentration of corticosterone in the blood plasma was performed. As a result, SDNN significantly increased in comparison with the control on days 2 and 3 (p < 0.001) but decreased on days 4-5 (p < 0.001) and 6 (p < 0.01). rMSSD changed in waves with two irregular peaks on days 1 and 6. SDNN/rMSSD, in comparison with the 1st day of the postoperative period, increased on the 2nd day, continued to increase (p < 0.05), and then began to decrease on day 4 (p < 0.01). The total HRV power of was low throughout the postoperative period (p < 0.001), except for day 3, when it was equal to the control data. The increase in the total power index fell on day 3 after the operation (p <0.01), after which its decline was observed again. The concentration of corticosterone in the blood plasma in rats was significantly higher than before (p < 0.001). On postoperative day 2 to 4, its plateau was determined. Simulation of septoplasty leads to changes in the time range of HRV, an increase in the concentration of corticosterone in the blood plasma in rats with its maximum at the time of surgery and 24 h later, and the formation of a "plateau" on postoperative days 2 to 4, which coincides with the changes in HRV.

Pisa Tower Concept: A New Paradigm in Crooked Nose Treatment.

BACKGROUND: The primary element of a crooked nose is a midline deviation of the nasal pyramid. To date, no surgical strategies have been described as compatible with the philosophy of dorsal preservation. The dorsal preservation technique differs from the Joseph structured rhinoplasty because it preserves both the keystone area and the continuity of the cartilaginous vault. The authors focused on the versatility of the dorsal preservation technique even for the deviated nose, introducing the "Pisa Tower concept." METHODS: From January of 2015 to June of 2019, 280 patients diagnosed as having a crooked nose underwent primary septorhinoplasty with dorsal preservation through an asymmetric bony wedge resection and lowering of the bony pyramid onto the frontal process of the maxilla (the let-down osteotomy), in accordance with the Pisa Tower concept. Inclusion criteria were a preoperative computed tomography examination, nasal axis deviation, a complete photographic examination preoperatively, and at least a 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: The mean nasal axis deviation was 7.62 degrees preoperatively and 1.15 degrees postoperatively (p < 0.05). Of the 84 patients, 47 (55.95 percent) were very satisfied, 33 (39.28 percent) were satisfied, and four (4.76 percent) were unsatisfied with surgical results and required revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' opinion is that the association of "swinging door" septoplasty with the Pisa Tower concept can be a valid alterative to other techniques when working with the structured rhinoplasty philosophy in patients with a crooked nose. Although this is only a preliminary study, the decreased use of spreaders graft and less aggressive reconstructive methods look very promising. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Nasal fractures: a dedicated clinic providing reduction under local anaesthesia improves time to manipulation.

INTRODUCTION: Guidelines for nasal injury state that assessment should be at 7-10 days post-injury and manipulation within 14 days. We performed a plan, do, study, act improvement cycle to assess whether a dedicated nasal fracture service led to better outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out of all patients undergoing manipulation under anaesthesia for nasal trauma between February 2013 and December 2016 in a district general hospital. A dedicated nasal fracture clinic providing manipulation under local anaesthesia was implemented followed by a prospective study of all patients presenting to the clinic between February and November 2017. Main outcome measures included time from injury to otolaryngology assessment, time from injury to manipulation and incidence of secondary septorhinoplasty. RESULTS: The retrospective series involved 525 patients including 381 males (72.6%) and 144 females (27.4%). Mean time from injury to assessment was 10 days. Mean time from injury to surgery was 14.5 days. Mean time from assessment to surgery was five days. The incidence of septorhinoplasty was 2.3%. The prospective series involved 119 patients including 78 males (65.5%) and 41 females (34.5%). Following implementation of a nasal fracture clinic, mean time from injury to assessment and manipulation was 6.1 days and 5.4% of patients underwent septorhinoplasty for secondary deformity. DISCUSSION: Implementation of a nasal fracture clinic providing reduction under local anaesthesia reduced the time to assessment and manipulation. The incidence of septorhinoplasty is low following reduction under general or local anaesthesia. Assessment earlier than seven days is feasible and advice for referral can be changed accordingly.

Nasal Bone Fractures: Analysis of 1193 Cases with an Emphasis on Coincident Adjacent Fractures.

Importance: The nasal bone is one of the most commonly fractured bones of the midface. However, the frequency of coincident fractures of adjacent bones such as the frontal process of the maxillary bone, nasal septum, and medial or inferior orbital walls has not been fully evaluated. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of fractures of adjacent structures in the setting of a nasal bone fracture. Second, we propose a new classification system of nasal bone fractures with involvement of adjacent bony structures. Design, Setting, and Participants: One thousand, one hundred ninety-three patients with midfacial fractures were retrospectively reviewed. The characteristics of fractures of the nasal bone and the incidence of coincident fractures of the frontal process of maxilla, bony nasal septum, medial, or inferior orbital walls were analyzed. Exposure: All patients included in the study presented with nasal trauma. Main Outcomes and Measures: The coincident fractures of adjacent midfacial structures were assessed, and a new classification of midfacial fractures based on computed tomography (CT) scan images was proposed. Results: Among the 1193 cases, bilateral fractures of the nasal bone were most common (69.24%), and coexistent fracture of the frontal process of the maxilla and bony nasal septum was 66.89% and 42.25%, respectively. Coincident fracture of the orbital walls was observed in 16.51% of cases. The major etiology of fracture for the younger and elderly groups was falls, compared with assault as the most common etiology in the adult group. A classification scheme was generated in which fractures of the nasal bone were divided into five types depending on coexisting fractures of adjacent structures. Conclusions and Relevance: External force applied to the nasal bone can also lead to coexistent fracture of adjacent bony structures including the frontal process of the maxilla, nasal septum, and orbital walls. The proposed classification of nasal fracture based on CT imaging helps to incorporate coincident disruption of adjacent structures.

A potential post-removal pH neutralization strategy to mitigate nasal button battery injuries.

OBJECTIVE: Button batteries (BBs) impacted in the nose of children can cause septal perforation, synechia, atrophy, necrosis and deformities such as saddle nose. Developing mitigation strategies that can reduce tissue damage after BB removal can decrease these complications. METHODS: 3 V lithium BBs were placed on the cadaveric sheep nasal septum model segments. After 3, 6, 12 and 24 h, BB on each segment was removed and intermittent irrigation was performed with 0.25% acetic acid solution. Irrigation with saline was performed as the control. Visual tissue damage that occurred just before and after irrigation was photographed. BB voltage, temperature and pH changes in the tissue were recorded. Each segment was examined after irrigation for the depth of necrosis and presence of cartilage necrosis. RESULTS: The voltage of 3 V lithium BB was observed to drop to about half at the end of the 3rd hour. It was observed that full-thickness mucoperichondrial necrosis occurred in the nasal septum segments at all time points. Although 0.25% acetic acid irrigation significantly decreased tissue pH compared to saline without increasing temperature, it did not show a significant superiority compared to saline in reducing neither visually nor histologically damage. While cartilage necrosis was not observed for the first 12 h, it was measured 105 µm in the segment irrigated with 0.25% acetic acid at the end of 24 h, and 518 µm in the segment irrigated with saline. CONCLUSIONS: The pH neutralization strategy with post-removal 0.25% acetic acid irrigation to mitigate nasal BB injury appears to be ineffective in reducing the full-thickness mucoperichondrial necrosis starting within 3 h. Although this strategy seems to decrease the progression of cartilage necrosis starting after 12 h, the development of pre-removal strategies for the first 3 h may be more effective and superior in reducing mucoperichondrial damage.

Nasal Airway Obstruction Study (NAIROS): a phase III, open-label, mixed-methods, multicentre randomised controlled trial of septoplasty versus medical management of a septal deviation with nasal obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Septoplasty (surgery to straighten a deviation in the nasal septum) is a frequently performed operation worldwide, with approximately 250,000 performed annually in the US and 22,000 in the UK. Most septoplasties aim to improve diurnal and nocturnal nasal obstruction. The evidence base for septoplasty clinical effectiveness is hitherto very limited. AIMS: To establish, and inform guidance for, the best management strategy for individuals with nasal obstruction associated with a deviated septum. METHODS/DESIGN: A multicentre, mixed-methods, open label, randomised controlled trial of septoplasty versus medical management for adults with a deviated septum and a reduced nasal airway. Eligible patients will have septal deflection visible at nasendoscopy and a nasal symptom score ≥ 30 on the NOSE questionnaire. Surgical treatment comprises septoplasty with or without reduction of the inferior nasal turbinate on the anatomically wider side of the nose. Medical management comprises a nasal saline spray followed by a fluorinated steroid spray daily for six months. The recruitment target is 378 patients, recruited from up to 17 sites across Scotland, England and Wales. Randomisation will be on a 1:1 basis, stratified by gender and severity (NOSE score). Participants will be followed up for 12 months post randomisation. The primary outcome measure is the total SNOT-22 score at 6 months. Clinical and economic outcomes will be modelled against baseline severity (NOSE scale) to inform clinical decision-making. The study includes a recruitment enhancement process, and an economic evaluation. DISCUSSION: The NAIROS trial will evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of septoplasty versus medical management for adults with a deviated septum and symptoms of nasal blockage. Identifying those individuals most likely to benefit from surgery should enable more efficient and effective clinical decision-making, and avoid unnecessary operations where there is low likelihood of patient benefit. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT: 2017-000893-12, ISRCTN: 16168569. Registered on 24 March 2017.

Pressure Injuries of the Nose and Columella in Preterm Neonates Receiving Noninvasive Ventilation via a Specialized Nasal Cannula: A Retrospective Comparison Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to measure the incidence and severity of nasal septum injury in premature infants receiving continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) via a noninvasive thin-walled cannula, and to evaluate the effect of a polyvinyl chloride foam barrier dressing in reducing these injuries. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review, comparison cohort study. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The sample comprised 235 neonates with a gestational age of 28 weeks or younger. Their mean gestational age was 26 weeks (range 22-28 weeks) and mean birth weight was 840 g (range 430-1320 g). The study setting was a level 4, regional neonatal intensive care unit housed in a 200-bed freestanding children's hospital located in the Northeastern United States. METHODS: Data were collected during 3 periods. During all 3 data collection periods, we used a soft, thin-walled nasal cannula, with a relatively short, binasal prong interphase and small diameter tubing connected to a ventilator circuit capable of transmitting positive airway pressure in neonates. During data collection periods 1 and 3, we used a polyvinyl foam barrier dressing as a preventive intervention against nasal skin damage; specifically, we placed a precut barrier on the prongs to protect the nasal skin. One side of the barrier foam has an adhesive surface, which was placed against the prongs. Study period 2 differed; during this period neonates were treated with the nasal cannula without the foam barrier based on manufacturer experience suggesting the foam barrier is not needed for prevention of skin damage. Pressure injuries (PIs) that occurred during each study period were staged according to National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel definitions. RESULTS: Eighty neonates were evaluated during study period 1 (thin-walled nasal cannula plus foam barrier). We evaluated 27 neonates during period 2 (thin-walled nasal cannula and no foam barrier) and 128 were evaluated during study period 3 (thin-walled nasal cannula plus foam barrier). Six neonates (7%) developed PIs during period 1, and 2 (1.5%) developed during study period 3. All were stage 1 and 2 PIs, no full-thickness injuries, also referred to as columella necrosis developed during use of the thin-walled nasal cannula in combination with the foam barrier dressings. In contrast, 13 PIs (48%) of neonates managed during data collection period 2 (thin-walled nasal cannula with no foam barrier) developed PI, and 40% experienced stage 3 PI or columella necrosis. This difference reflects a 6-fold increase in nasal injury occurred when nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) was administered without use of the protective barrier dressing. CONCLUSION: We found clinically relevant difference in the occurrences of nasal PI in neonates managed with NCPAP; occurrences of stage 3 PI were 6-fold higher when a thin-walled cannula was used without a protective foam barrier dressing.

Nasal Septal Abscess Developed After Radiofrequency Cauterization for Epistaxis.

Nasal septal abscesses are commonly caused by nasal trauma, infection, and nasal surgery. As delayed treatment of nasal septal abscesses can cause various complications, including saddle nose, a prompt diagnosis with the relevant intervention is important. However, the diagnosis of nasal septal abscesses is difficult when nasal pain occurs after cauterization because there have been no formal reports of nasal septal abscesses owing to cauterization for epistaxis. Here, the authors report the first case of a nasal septal abscess that developed after cauterization. A 48-year-old woman underwent radiofrequency cauterization as a treatment for epistaxis. She developed nasal pain 10 days following cauterization, and a computed tomography scan revealed a nasal septal abscess. Careful observation should be undertaken in patients who undergo cauterization of the nasal septum, especially in patients complaining of nasal pain.

Traumatic Injuries of the Ear, Nose and Throat.

This article reviews the presentation, diagnosis, and management of common traumatic injuries of the ear, nose, and throat, including laryngeal trauma, auricular and septal hematomas, and tympanic membrane rupture.

Nasal septal abscess: a 10-year retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Nasal septal abscess is an uncommon condition but it can cause potentially life-threatening intracranial complications and cosmetic nasal deformity. METHODS: We analyzed ten years of cases to determine the optimal diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. A retrospective review of case notes from Tri-Service General Hospital archives was performed. Records of six patients diagnosed with nasal septal abscess, who were treated from September 2007 to August 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' clinical symptoms, etiology, diagnostic methods, bacteriology, antibiotic and surgical treatment were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Out of six patients diagnosed with nasal septal abscess, three were male and three were female. Ages ranged from 19 to 75 years (mean 51 years). The most common symptoms at presentation were nasal pain and nasal obstruction. Typical etiologies were trauma or acute sinusitis, but uncontrolled diabetes mellitus was also an important etiology. In the series of six patients, four of them had positive findings of abscess and in drainage, had the following bacterial cultures: Staphylococcus aureus (two cases), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (one case), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (one case). In addition to antibiotic treatment, all patients underwent surgical drainage and had complete resolution of disease without intracranial complications during at least 1 year of follow-up. However, two out of the six patients developed saddle nose deformity. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights that: 1. In view of the rapidly increasing number of diabetes mellitus cases, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is an important etiology of nasal septal abscess. 2. Although S. aureus is the most common pathogen, we must pay attention to methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) to prevent severe complications and patients who are at increased risk for MRSA colonization should be administrated antibiotics against MRSA initially. 3. Nasal septal abscess should be managed with parenteral broad spectrum antibiotics, appropriate drainage and immediate reconstruction of the destructed septal cartilage with autologous cartilage graft, to prevent serious intracranial complications and cosmetic nasal deformity.