Traumatic Injuries to the Nose and Ears

Question 1

Acute assessment of fractured nose

Answer 1

• Other injuries/fractures
• Compound fracture
• Septal haematoma

Question 2

Septal haematoma

Answer 2

• Needs to be seen by ENT ASAP
• Incision and drainage
• Antibiotics
• Risk of septal perforation/abscess/cavernous sinus thrombosis
• Causes can be iatrogenic or post-trauma

Question 3

Management of fractured nose

Answer 3

• Assessment in 5-7 days
• Manipulation before 14 days
• Septoplasty +/- rhinoplasty later

Question 4

Auricular haematoma

Answer 4

• Caused by shear forces (i.e. rugby, NAI)
• Cartilage loses blood supply
• Necrosis and infection
• Cauliflower ear deformity
• Need to drain and apply pressure