title: Thin section computed tomography in the evaluation of naso-ethmoidal trauma.
abstract: We reviewed the computed tomography (CT) appearances, plain film radiographs and clinical findings of 17 patients who suffered fractures of the naso-ethmoidal complex. Six patients (35%) with diplopia were noted on CT to have lateral displacement of medial orbital wall fragments into the orbit (medial wall 'blow-in' fractures) leading to displacement of the globe or extra-ocular muscles. Medial displacement of ethmoid bone fragments (medial wall 'blow-out' fractures) with medial rectus entrapment was noted in a further two cases (11%) also. Multiple associated facial fractures were seen in all but one case with CT evidence of frontal bone fracture and intracranial injury in 12 (70%) patients. CT was judged to add valuable information to clinical findings and plain film radiography and was especially helpful where marked soft tissue swelling precluded detailed physical examination of the naso-orbital region. The CT features of naso-ethmoidal trauma are illustrated and discussed and the advantages of CT in the pre-operative evaluation of such injuries are emphasised.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, General Infirmary, Leeds.
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Daly
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Russell
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Davidson
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Lamb
mesh_terms: D004172:Diplopia / Q000209:etiology; D005004:Ethmoid Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D009295:Nasal Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed