Naso-orbital fractures: management and complications.

The term naso-orbital fracture refers to the backward displacement of the nasal bones into the interorbital space. The fracture is most commonly the result of traumatic contact with the dashboard in automobile accidents. The trauma results in soft tissue eyelid deformities, which may also involve nasolacrimal disruption and life-threatening intracranial injury. Early management consists of closed reduction of the nasal fracture when feasible. Late management, which is more common, consists of transnasal wiring, restoration of the nasolacrimal apparatus, and contouring of the nasal bones.