title: Comparison study of the use of absorbable and nonabsorbable materials as internal splints after closed reduction for nasal bone fracture.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The authors sought to compare the use of the nonabsorbable polyvinyl alcohol sponge (PVA, Merocel) and absorbable synthetic polyurethane foam (SPF, Nasopore Forte plus) as intranasal splints after closed reduction of fractured nasal bones during the hospitalization period.
  
  
  METHODS
  The medical records of 111 patients who underwent closed reduction for nasal bone fracture at Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, from 2012 to 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. PVA (group A) or SPF (group B) was packed as an internal splint after closed reduction. The efficacy of the materials was compared and statistically analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  PVA was used in 82 patients, and SPF was used in 29 patients. The patients in group B complained significantly more of nasal pain on the first day after operation than the patients in group A. Headaches on the operation day were significantly more painful in group B than in group A. Bleeding on the fourth postoperative day was significantly reduced in group B as compared to group A. The patients in group B exhibited significantly more intensive nasal obstruction on the operation day and the following day than the patients in group A. However, on the third and fourth postoperative days, the nasal obstruction in group B was less than that in group A. The pain and bleeding related to the packing material was significantly reduced in group B as compared to group A.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of SPF as an absorbable packing material is a reasonable substitute for the traditional nonabsorbable material.
authors: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Chang Ryul
authors: CR
authors: Yi
authors: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Young Joon
authors: YJ
authors: Kim
authors: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Hoon
authors: H
authors: Kim
authors: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Sang Hyun
authors: SH
authors: Nam
authors: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Young Woong
authors: YW
authors: Choi
keywords: Facial bones; Nasal bone; Splints