[Complications and sequelae after nasal trauma].

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Plastic Surgery
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Septal hematoma, a complication of nasal trauma, can progress to a septal abscess if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
• Septal abscesses, often involving saprophytic bacteria, can cause cartilage necrosis, leading to impaired breathing and significant aesthetic deformities such as nasal collapse.

Observation:

• A 10-year-old male experienced an undiagnosed nasal fracture with a concurrent septal hematoma.
• The undiagnosed septal hematoma evolved into a septal abscess, necessitating surgical drainage.
• The patient subsequently developed nasal sequelae, including dorsal collapse and displacement of the nasal tip and columella.

Findings:

• Surgical drainage of the septal abscess was performed.
• Functional and aesthetic reconstruction was achieved using autologous rib cartilage grafts.
• The patient experienced no complications post-reconstruction.

Implications:

• Early recognition and intervention for septal hematoma are crucial to prevent progression to septal abscess and subsequent nasal deformities.
• Cartilage grafting provides a viable reconstructive option for significant nasal structural loss following septal abscess.
• Successful functional and aesthetic outcomes can be achieved in pediatric patients with complex nasal sequelae through timely surgical management.