[Long-term results of fractured nasal bones in adults. Clinical and roentgenographic examinations (author's transl)].

In 100 adults the effect of treatment of nasal fractures was followed up after 14 to 65 months. In 30% of 53 patients with closed reduction of the nose long-term results as to shape and function of the nose were not satisfying. Nasal obstruction deformity slowly developed several months after treatment mainly because of untreated septal fractures and green-stick fractures of the nasal bones. After open reduction and septal reconstruction only 1 of 17 patients had a poor result. By roentgenographic examinations three types of fracturelines could be distinguished: osseous (40), fibrous (37), and mixed transformations (23). In all types there was found a solid nasal pyramid. The osseous transformation of the fracture-line was promoted by reduction of the fracture within the first posttraumatic days, by a small distance of the fractured ends and if the injury was not too violent.