How to treat ethmoid bone fracture

Ethmoid fractures need to be diagnosed through imaging examinations, and conservative treatment or surgical treatment is selected according to the degree of fracture. Treatment methods include nasal fixation, drug therapy and surgical repair.

1. Causes of ethmoid bone fracture

The ethmoid bone is located in the upper part of the nasal cavity. It is a thin bone structure between the nasal cavity and the skull base. It is easy to fracture due to external impact. Common causes include traffic accidents, sports injuries, violent conflicts or accidental falls. Ethmoid bone fractures may cause nasal dysfunction, facial deformity or intracranial complications and need to be treated promptly.

2. Diagnosis of ethmoid fracture

Imaging tests, such as CT scans or X-rays, are required to confirm a nasal ethmoid fracture. CT scans can clearly show the location and extent of the fracture and are the preferred method of examination. At the same time, the doctor will assess the patient's nasal ventilation function, whether the sense of smell is impaired, and whether there are complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

3. Treatment of nasal ethmoid fracture

3.1 Conservative treatment

It is suitable for fractures with no displacement or slight displacement. Nasal fixation is the main method, using a nasal splint or gauze to fill the nasal cavity to help reduce and fix the fracture. At the same time, drugs can be used to relieve symptoms, such as ibuprofen for pain and loratadine to reduce nasal swelling.

3.2 Surgical treatment

It is suitable for fractures with severe displacement or complications. Surgical methods include endoscopic reduction, open reduction and skull base repair. Endoscopic reduction is performed through the nasal cavity, with less trauma and faster recovery; open reduction is suitable for complex fractures that require skin incision for repair; skull base repair is used for patients with combined skull base injuries.

3.3 Rehabilitation care

After surgery, you need to pay attention to nasal cleaning to avoid infection. Use normal saline to rinse the nasal cavity and keep it moist. Eat more foods rich in protein and vitamins, such as eggs, milk, and spinach, to promote bone healing. Avoid strenuous exercise to prevent further injury.

4. Prevention of ethmoid fracture

To prevent ethmoid fractures, you need to pay attention to safety protection. Wear protective gear, such as a helmet or mask, when exercising; fasten your seat belt when driving and obey traffic rules; avoid high-risk activities in daily life, such as climbing high places or participating in violent conflicts.

The treatment of ethmoid bone fractures should be based on the degree of fracture and the specific conditions of the patient. Timely medical treatment, standardized treatment and scientific care are the key to recovery. If there are symptoms of nasal trauma or suspected fractures, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid delaying treatment.