When can patients blow their nose and fly after treatment for fractures of zygomatic complex: the need for a consensus.
OBJECTIVE
To determine current professional advice to patients about refraining from nose blowing and air travel following treatment of zygomatic fractures.


METHODS
A postal questionnaire was sent to 261 consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) in the UK. They were asked about advice given to patients regarding length of time to refrain from nose blowing and air travel following treatment of zygomatic fractures.


RESULTS
A total of 184 (71%) replies were received. Advice regarding the length of time to refrain from nose blowing and air travel ranged from no advice to 8 weeks. About 90% of respondents based their advice on common sense and traditional practice.


CONCLUSIONS
Advice given to the patients following the treatment of zygomatic fractures varies widely. Most consultants based their advice on traditional practice and common sense. In the absence of widely accepted guidelines, there is a need for an agreement among clinicians on advice given to the patients.
Mahmood
Shaukat
S
Regional Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, St. Johns Hospital, Livingston EH54 6PP, Scotland, UK. shaukatmaxfacs@msn.com
Keith
David J W
DJ
Lello
Glenn Edward
GE
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D009666:Nose; D009985:Orthopedics; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014195:Travel; D015051:Zygomatic Fractures / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*