Ultrasonography has been used as an instant noninvasive method for the observation of relatively deep areas. Recently, however, high-resolution echography has been developed that can provide detailed investigation of more superficial regions. Generally, for an imaging evaluation of nasal bone fracture, plain radiography and computerized tomography(CT) have been utilized. Plain radiography is less reliable and specific than CT. But CT has some disadvantages such as high expense, heavy radiation hazard, and coexistent injuries which may prevent or delay diagnosis when they restrict the position of a patient, while ultrasonography represents a safe, inexpensive, noninvasive, portable, and wide availability. There have been several reports about the usefulness of ultrasonography for nasal trauma. Different from the devices used in these previous reports, the CL15-7 linear array transducer(10-15MHz) is a broadband linear array uniquely designed for a variety of more specialized clinical imaging applications. The ergonomic shape allows comfortable manipulation by the user in difficult to access situations. 132 patients sustained nasal injuries were evaluated with an ultrasonography between August 2004 and December 2005, and its usefulness was compared with that of a plain radiography and a CT. The CL15-7 transducer provides excellent contrast resolution and outstanding tissue differentiation for superficial imaging in evaluation of nasal bone fractures. For twenty-five patients, we used ultrasonography during closed reduction of the nasal bone fractures and verified the alignment of restored nasal bone intraoperatively, and were able to get more accurate reduction In conclusion, this high frequency ultrasonography is a useful method in detection of nasal bone and cartilage, and evaluation of intraoperative and postoperative reduced nasal bone state.
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