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Proptosis following nasal tamponade
1Department of Otolaryngology, West Middlesex Hospital, London, UK.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Nasal packing can fracture the lamina papyracea, a rare complication. Elderly patients require gentle pressure during epistaxis treatment to prevent this bone injury.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Epistaxis management commonly involves nasal packing.
- The lamina papyracea is a thin bone separating the orbit and nasal cavity.
- Potential complications of nasal packing are not fully documented.
Observation:
- A case of lamina papyracea fracture following nasal packing for epistaxis is presented.
- The fracture occurred despite the absence of direct facial trauma.
- The patient was an elderly individual experiencing severe nosebleeds.
Findings:
- The study documents the first reported case of lamina papyracea fracture secondary to nasal packing.
- Excessive pressure during packing or balloon inflation is implicated as the cause.
- Radiological imaging confirmed the fracture and its association with the packing material.
Implications:
- This case highlights a previously undocumented complication of epistaxis treatment.
- Clinicians should exercise caution and use minimal necessary pressure when packing the nose, especially in elderly patients.
- Awareness of this potential injury may lead to modified packing techniques and improved patient outcomes.