Publication:

Naso-orbito-ethmoidal and nasal bone fractures, associated with anosmia and olfactory disorders

Background Facial trauma is among the first three causes of alterations in the sense of smell, however, among the many sequelae that can be left by a facial trauma involving the fracture of bone structures, this is one of the least addressed issues and for which there is less information about the prevalence and incidence as well as its management. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of olfactory disorders, after presenting a facial fracture that covers the area of the nasal bones and the naso-orbito-ethmoidal region (NOE).

Methods This retrospective study analyzed the prevalence of alterations in olfaction after the presence of facial traumatisms that covered the centrofacial region known as naso-orbito-ethmoidal, during the period of time from 2019 to 2024, collecting 36 patients, subdividing the patients to assess whether there was a proportional relationship of severity with a higher prevalence of hyposmia or anosmia.

Results The study included 36 patients with a mean age of 28.29 years, the 20–30 age group being the most prevalent (53.5%). A total of 13 (17.8%) patients have diagnosed a NOE fracture and 23 (82.2%) with nose fracture. Of the patients with type NOE fracture, 6 (46%) presented an olfactory alteration, being 2 with type NOE I, 3 with type NOE II and 1 with type NOE III. Of the patients with nasal bone fractures, 10 (43%) had an olfactory alteration.

Conclusions Patients who suffer with a facial trauma of the centrofacial region, undergo in a large proportion with alterations of the sense of smell, observing a proportional relationship between the severity of the trauma and hyposmia without presenting an improvement despite appropriate surgical management, so it is very important that when performing the initial physical examination, to verify the presence of olfactory alterations if the patient's conditions are so affected.