Comparison Study of the Use of Absorbable and Nonabsorbable Materials as Internal Splints after Closed Reduction for Nasal Bone Fracture

Abstract

BackgroundThe authors sought to compare the use of the nonabsorbable polyvinyl alcohol sponge (PVA, Merocel) and absorbable synthetic polyurethane foam (SPF, Nasopore Forte plus) as intranasal splints after closed reduction of fractured nasal bones during the hospitalization period.MethodsThe medical records of 111 patients who underwent closed reduction for nasal bone fracture at Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, from 2012 to 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. PVA (group A) or SPF (group B) was packed as an internal splint after closed reduction. The efficacy of the materials was compared and statistically analyzed.ResultsPVA was used in 82 patients, and SPF was used in 29 patients. The patients in group B complained significantly more of nasal pain on the first day after operation than the patients in group A. Headaches on the operation day were significantly more painful in group B than in group A. Bleeding on the fourth postoperative day was significantly reduced in group B as compared to group A. The patients in group B exhibited significantly more intensive nasal obstruction on the operation day and the following day than the patients in group A. However, on the third and fourth postoperative days, the nasal obstruction in group B was less than that in group A. The pain and bleeding related to the packing material was significantly reduced in group B as compared to group A.ConclusionsThe use of SPF as an absorbable packing material is a reasonable substitute for the traditional nonabsorbable material.

Comparison Study of the Use of Absorbable Materials as Internal Splints with Airway Silicone Splint and Absorbable Materials as Internal Splints Alone

“…Yi et al [ 2 ] reported that SPF shows a similar hemostatic effect and absorption of discharge as a packing material as compared to the traditional material, polyvinyl alcohol sponge (merocel) and showed less complications related to packing removal. Kim et al [ 3 ] reported decreased discomfort due to packing with maintaining nasal ventilation of the middle meatus by filling it with NAS.…”

“…The use of synthetic polyurethane foam (SPF) as an absorbable packing material can be a reasonable substitute for the traditional non-absorbable material [ 2 ], and the usefulness of the airway silicone splint with vaseline gauze has been proved [ 3 ].…”

Contemporary Rhinoplasty Techniques

“…The splint is held for 5 days to one week. It is believed that external splints will hold the bony segments in their new position and will help the skin envelope re-drape over its new structure [33][34][35].…”

Simultaneous Use of Bioabsorbable and Nonbioabsorbable Packing Materials During Closed Reduction of a Nasal Bone Fractures

“…reduction. 1 In general, nasal packing is performed after closed reduction. Nasal packing provides stability to the reduced bone fragment.…”

“…Nasal bone fractures are a common kind of facial bone fractures. Surgical treatment is usually performed using closed reduction 1 . In general, nasal packing is performed after closed reduction.…”