Comparison of Physical Examination and Conventional Radiography in Diagnosis of Nasal Fracture

Abstract

Nasal bone fracture is the most common fracture which would result from facial trauma. So, the present study performed to select the most reliable way to diagnose new fractures considering CT scan results as a gold standard in this matter. All the people refer to a forensic medicine center were, at first, physically examined by general practitioners. Plain lateral radiography and ENT consult were requested afterwards. CT scan was requested to get trusty results in case of any imbalance between Radiographic finding and physical examination. The results finally were evaluated and compared. CT scan was tried for 61 (6%) patients with positive clinical findings for new fracture which were not supported by radiologic studies. New fracture was identified in 55 participants out of the above number. Trusting physical examination and its preference to the radiologic findings has special value in cases where fracture is not detectable by radiography and there is no access to CT scan. © 2012 Association of Otolaryngologists of India.