Aesthetic Outcome of Primary Rhinoplasty of Saddle Nose Deformity in Naso-Orbital Ethmoidal Fractures in Asian Patients.

[BACKGROUND] Saddle nose deformity following naso-orbital ethmoidal (NOE) fractures remain a challenging problem for the reconstructive surgeon. Early reduction and internal fixation allow for fracture stabilization but is unable to address the problem of the depressed nasal dorsum, especially after soft tissue shrinkage. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of primary rhinoplasty in patients with NOE fractures.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] From 2016 to 2019, 9 patients presented to our department with NOE fractures complicated by saddle nose deformity underwent primary nasal reconstruction at the time of their fracture fixation. Life size (1:1) frontal and lateral postoperative photographs were taken. Three objective measurements were made, including the nasofrontal angle, tip projection, and radix projection. These measurements were compared between normal persons (group 1), preoperative patients (group 2), and postoperative patients (group 3). Nose aesthetic assessment was carried out via a panel assessment using a Visual Analog Scale of 5. Patient satisfaction was further assessed subjectively by the patient themselves using the Visual Analog Scale.

[RESULTS] When comparing group 3 to 2, a significant reduction in the nasofrontal angles was found with an accompanying increase in the radix and tip projection ( P <0.05). No statistical significance between normal persons and postprimary rhinoplasty patients was noted between groups 1 and 3. Average patient satisfaction scored 3.86±1.07 compared with 3.63±0.84 by laypersons and 4±0.77 by specialists' panel.

[CONCLUSION] Primary nasal reconstruction may be an alternative method for achieving optimum results following NOE fractures preventing the development of secondary saddle nose deformity with a shortened nose which may potentially be more difficult to correct.