Complications and Treatment of Delayed or Inadequately Treated Nasoorbitoethmoid Fractures

Abstract

Delayed or improper repair of nasoorbitoethmoid (NOE) fractures can lead to debilitating outcomes including diplopia, epiphora, nasal obstruction, facial asymmetry, and poor cosmesis. As such, NOE fractures should be repaired promptly and properly to prevent these unwanted sequelae. Treating patients with delayed, untreated, or inadequately reduced NOE fractures is challenging due to scarring and contracture. Saddle nose deformity, telecanthus, enophthalmos, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, and soft-tissue scarring are often encountered in the secondary management of NOE fractures and should be addressed in the overall context of reestablishing facial symmetry and function.