The radiology of nasal injuries: problems of interpretation and clinical relevance.

Films of 50 normal patients and 50 dry skulls were examined to detect lines which might stimulate a nasal fracture. These were visible on the occipito-mental view but on the lateral view any line which reaches the anterior cortex must be regarded as a fracture. The results of an analysis of 100 patients with trauma to the nasal bone are also presented. It is concluded that radiography of the nasal bone is an unnecessary examination unless requested by the E.N.T. surgeon, and this will in any case occur infrequently.