A Comparison Between K-Wire Splinting and Intranasal Gauze Packing in Nasal Bone Fracture.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes between Kirschner wire (K-wire) splinting and intranasal packing.

METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective and comparative analysis of subjective patient discomfort and objective postoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging after closed reduction for treating type II and type III nasal bone fractures from April 2010 to April 2013 in 2 groups, 1 with K-wire splinting and 1 with intranasal packing.

RESULTS: Complaints of nasal obstruction, dry mouth, loss of appetite, and sleep disturbance were significantly less in K-wire group. Mean scores for concerns about aesthetics/postoperative asymmetry did not differ significantly between groups. There was no significant difference in accuracy of reduction and support provided to the reduced nasal bones between groups.

CONCLUSIONS: The K-wire fixation can be considered a reliable and useful immobilization method for treating type II and type III nasal bone fractures.