Closed treatment of nasal bone fracture; without stabilization
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Closed Treatment of Nasal Bone Fracture without Stabilization
Summary:
This procedure involves manually aligning the broken bones of the nose without the use of any internal or external stabilizing devices. It is usually performed to correct a nasal fracture and can be done swiftly in a clinical setting.
Purpose:
The procedure addresses nasal bone fractures typically caused by trauma or injury. The primary goal is to realign the nasal bones to their natural position, ensuring proper healing and restoring the normal appearance and function of the nose.
Indications:
- Visible deformity of the nose due to fracture.
- Nasal pain and swelling.
- Difficulty breathing through the nose.
- Recent history of nasal trauma.
Preparation:
- Pre-procedure consultation to assess the extent of the fracture.
- Possibly imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans to evaluate the injury.
- Patients may need to fast if sedation or anesthesia is planned.
- Discuss any ongoing medications with the doctor; adjustments might be necessary.
Procedure Description:
- The patient is positioned comfortably, often in a reclining chair or on an examination table.
- Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the nose. General anesthesia or sedation may be used in some cases.
- The healthcare provider uses their hands or special instruments to manually realign the bones of the nose.
- Care is taken to ensure the bones are aligned correctly without using rigid support.
- Nasal packing or splints may be used temporarily to support the nose.
Duration:
The procedure typically takes about 15-30 minutes.
Setting:
It is usually performed in a hospital's emergency department, an outpatient clinic, or a surgical center.
Personnel:
- Emergency physician or an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist.
- Nurses and medical assistants.
- An anesthesiologist if general anesthesia or deep sedation is used.
Risks and Complications:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Persistent nasal deformity
- Nasal obstruction or difficulty breathing
- Rarely, damage to surrounding structures
Benefits:
- Improved nasal appearance and function.
- Relief from pain and breathing difficulties.
- Typically, immediate improvement is noticed once the bones are realigned.
Recovery:
- Patients should avoid strenuous activity and contact sports for at least a few weeks.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
- Pain is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Avoid blowing the nose and follow any specific care instructions provided by the doctor.
Alternatives:
- Closed treatment with stabilization, where splints and supports are used for additional stabilization.
- Open reduction surgery if the fracture is too complex or severe for closed treatment.
- Non-surgical management such as observation in cases of non-displaced fractures.
Patient Experience:
During the procedure, the patient may feel pressure but minimal pain due to local anesthesia. Post-procedure, there might be some swelling and discomfort managed with pain medications. Breathing might feel improved right after the alignment, and most patients can return to normal activities with some temporary restrictions.