Purpose: The aim of the study was to compare the sonographic and CT examination of nasal fracture.
Materials and methods: 72 patients with nasal trauma were investigated retrospectively. All patients underwent US (5--12 MHz linear array transducer) and CT (axial and coronal scans). The US and CT findings were retrospectively review and compared with the final diagnosis, which was based on results from the clinical examinations, images and intraoperative findings.
The results were analyzed by various statistical testing methods (for sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, accuracy and ?2 test)
Results: CT evaluation of nasal fractures yielded a sensitivity of 85%, a specificity of 100%, an accuracy of 87%, PPV of 100%, and NPV of 50%, respectively. Ultrasound demonstrated satisfactory sensitivity ( 84%) and specificity (100%) when compared with CT results, and yielded an accuracy of 86%, PPV of 100% and NPV of 47%, respectively.
The ?2 test showed no statistical significant difference was found between US and CT in the investigation of the nasal bone fracture (p=0.239)
Conclusion: Ultrasonic investigation of the nasal bone is a useful way to demonstrate fracture that provides similar results to CT.
Nasal US could be an alternative imaging method to CT to detect nasal fracture.