Lateral positioning of the nasal bones using digital radiography.

摘要

The nasal bones consist of 2 fused bones that help to form the bridge of the nose and can vary in size among adults (see Figure l).1 Because the nose is a prominent facial feature, it is often the site of trauma. The nasal bones are the most commonly fractured facial bones, and these fractures are statistically more prevalent among men than women, at a ratio of 2:1, with a significant peak in the 15- to 25-year-old male population.2'3 Adult nasal fractures typically result from altercations, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and falls. The degree of force required to fracture the nasal bones is relatively small (25-751b of pressure) compared with the surrounding midfacial structures.3 Patients with nasal fractures usually exhibit some degree of deformity, tenderness, hemorrhage, edema, and instability.4