Olfactory Dysfunction and its Course in Patients With Nasal Bone Fracture

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurosurgery
• Facial Trauma

Background:

• Nasal bone fractures are the most frequent facial bone fractures.
• Olfactory dysfunction is a common complication, yet understudied in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency and progression of olfactory dysfunction after nasal bone fractures.
• To hypothesize the underlying mechanisms of olfactory dysfunction in these patients.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-six patients undergoing closed reduction for nasal bone fractures were assessed.
• The Korean version of Sniffin' Sticks test (KVSS) II was used preoperatively, and at 1 and 6 months postoperatively.
• Testing was performed on patients reporting subjective smell loss at 1 and 6 months.

Main Results:

• Preoperatively, 46.9% of patients exhibited olfactory dysfunction.
• Postoperatively, olfactory dysfunction decreased to 36.3% at 1 month and 6.0% at 6 months.
• 34.3% of patients with normal preoperative olfaction developed new dysfunction after surgery.

Conclusions:

• Olfactory dysfunction is a frequent complication of nasal bone fractures, with most cases resolving.
• Patients require counseling regarding potential iatrogenic olfactory impairment post-surgery.
• Gentle surgical techniques are recommended to minimize iatrogenic damage.