Gauze Fixation Technique for Stabilization of Depressed Nasal Bone Fracture: A Novel Approach.

BACKGROUND

Reduction and stabilization of depressed nasal bone fractures often rely on nasal packing, which may become dislodged, resulting in recurrent displacement. Open reduction with internal fixation is effective but more invasive, costly, and associated with visible scars. This study introduced and evaluated a novel percutaneous gauze fixation technique for stabilizing nasal bone fractures.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted between 2023 and 2024 and included 10 patients with nasal bone fractures treated by a single plastic surgeon. All underwent closed reduction followed by stabilization using a 5 × 5 cm paraffin gauze anchored with external silk sutures passed transcutaneously from the nasal vestibule to the forehead. The gauze was removed on postoperative day 10. Patients were followed up for 3 months, and outcomes were assessed through clinical examination and computed tomography imaging.

RESULTS

Ten patients (mean age: 28 y; 8 men and 2 women) were included. Most injuries were simple and unilateral; 2 were comminuted, and 1 was open. Septal injuries were noted in 2 patients. All patients presented with visible nasal deviation or depression preoperatively. At 3 months, computed tomography scans confirmed successful reduction with less than 1 mm of residual displacement in all cases. No patients experienced nasal obstruction, residual deformity, or visible scarring. Minor discomfort and transient thread-site irritation occurred in some cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The described percutaneous gauze fixation technique provides effective, low-cost stabilization for nasal bone fractures with minimal morbidity, avoiding drawbacks of internal fixation or traditional packing.