Comparative Evaluation of Ultrasound Against Conventional Radiography in Patients With Nasal Bone Fractures

Introduction: Nasal bone fractures are one of the most common problems in patients who are referred to otolaryngology centers. We aimed to evaluate physical examination, sonography and conventional lateral nasal bone radiography in patients with nasal bone trauma and its relation to intra-operative findings. Methods: This prospective study was performed on 200 patients with nasal trauma and those suspicious for nasal bone fracture. The results of physical examination, sonography and radiography were recorded in a check list and compared with intra-operative findings. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21.0 and the means of groups were compared using parametric or non-parametric tests according to the result of 1-sample K-S test for normal distribution. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Evaluation of 200 patients and their sonography revealed that the sensitivity and specificity of this method was higher than the conventional lateral nasal bone radiography. Sonography compared to physical examination in the diagnosis of dorsum and lateral nasal bone fractures had higher sensitivity and specificity. For septal fractures, the specificity of physical examination was higher and the sensitivity of both methods was the same. Conclusion: Sonography with higher sensitivity and specificity is a useful method in the diagnosis of nasal bone fractures. In comparison to radiography it has no radiation; therefore, it is more useful for children and pregnant women.