Naso-ethmoid fracture

Diagnosis

• Diffuse tearing and increased intercanthal distance are suggestive
• Intranasal palpation w/ hemostat while palpating along bony rim for crepitus

Differential Diagnosis

Maxillofacial Trauma

• Ears
  • Auricular hematoma
• Nose
  • Nasal fracture
  • Nasal septal hematoma
• Oral
  • Dental trauma
  • Lip laceration
  • Tongue laceration
• Other face
  • Le Fort fractures
  • Mandible fracture
• Zygomatic arch fracture
• Zygomaticomaxillary (tripod) fracture
• Related
  • Head trauma (main)
    • Skull fracture
    • Skull fracture (peds)
    • Basilar skull fracture
  • Orbital trauma
    • Eyelid laceration
  • Scalp laceration

Prognosis

• Complications include:
  • Lacrimal disruption
  • Medial canthal ligament rupture
  • Dural tears
  • Intracranial injury seen in up to 70%

See Also

• Orbital fracture