Nasal encephaloceles: definitive one-stage reconstruction

Nasal encephaloceles can cause complex deformities of the naso-orbital skeleton. As the encephalocele pushes through a defect in the facial skeleton it causes lateral displacement of the medial orbital walls. Correction of this skeletal deformity is necessary to achieve a normal facial contour. Two examples of nasal encephaloceles are presented and the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of this entity are discussed. The correction of these deformities at an early age is recommended. The suggested method of reconstruction is a combined intracranial and extracranial approach with mobilization of the nasal skeleton and medial orbital walls to their normal position. The remaining defects are treated with bone grafts.