Value of nasal radiographs in nasal trauma management.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the value of routinely acquiring plain nasal radiographs in patients following nasal trauma both clinically and cost effectively.


METHODS
A questionnaire was devised to determine the factors that influence physicians to order nasal x-rays and whether or not the results of these radiographs influence management.


METHODS
The questionnaire was distributed to the otolaryngology staff and residents, emergency physicians, and family physicians affiliated with the University of Toronto.


METHODS
Descriptive statistics were employed.


METHODS
Percentages of reasons for ordering nasal x-rays and their part in treatment management.


RESULTS
The commonest reasons for ordering nasal x-rays in these cases included perceived severity of injury and detection of unsuspected facial fractures, as well as presumed need for medicolegal documentation.


CONCLUSIONS
Nasal x-rays are not of substantial medicolegal value and do not play a role in the treatment of the patient. Nasal radiographs are not a cost-effective investigation in the management of trauma to the nose, and their routine use should be abandoned.
Li
S
S
Department of Otolaryngology, Toronto Hospital, Ontario.
Papsin
B
B
Brown
D H
DH
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D006801:Humans; D009666:Nose / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries*; D010036:Otolaryngology; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011361:Professional Competence; D011859:Radiography; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires