Nasal fractures in children--long-term results.

An open reduction of nasal fractures in children is more burdensome for the patient, and for the department, than a closed reduction. We therefore made a follow-up examination of 79 patients, undergoing closed reduction of nasal fractures during the period from 1966 through 1975. Mean observation time was 11 years. A control group of 82 subjects was similarly examined. Among the patients, 52% had deformities of the external nose, compared with 22% in the control group - only 7 (9%) of the patients had severe deformities. Septal deviation occurred in 38% of the patients and 40% of the controls. A total of 6 patients in the fracture group were admitted for reoperation; none were readmitted from the control group. We conclude that the results of closed reduction are satisfactory, and that the results of larger, controlled studies must be awaited before the present treatment method is changed.