Fractures of the Nasolacrimal Fossa and Canal: CT Findings and Clinical significance.
10.3348/jkrs.1998.39.3.475
- Author:
Chae Kyung LEE
1
;
Hyeon Kyeong LEE
;
Jong Hwa LEE
;
Kwan Min KU
;
Dae Seob CHOI
;
Yeon Hee OH
;
Seung Hyeon KIM
;
Sung Woo LEE
;
Jae Sik HAN
;
Mi Woon KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Dongguk University.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Face, fractures;
Lacrimal gland and duct, CT
- MeSH:
Humans;
Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases;
Retrospective Studies;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
- From:Journal of the Korean Radiological Society
1998;39(3):475-478
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the CT findings of nasolacrimal fossa and their clinical significance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine of 116 patients who underwent facial CT scanning after trauma showed evidenceof nasolacrimal fracture. We retrospectively analyzed CT findings to evaluate fracture patterns of thenasolacrimal fossa and canal and associated facial fractures. To determine the frequency of associatedcomplications, clinical records were reviewed were reviewed. RESULTS: Three types of fracture were identified:avulsion, comminuted, and linear Forty-one nasolacrimal fractures, 20 of which involved the nasolacrimal fossa and21 the nasolacrimal canal, were found in the 29 patients. Of the 20 fractures involving the nasolacrimal fossa,ten were avulsion, eight were linear, and two were comminuted. Seventeen of 21 fractures involving thenasolacrimal canal were comminuted and four were linear ; all nasolacrimal fractures were associated with otherfacial fractures. Twenty-five of 29 fractures were the complex midfacial-type (naso-ethmoid) ; the remaining fourwere simple and unilateral. Nasolacrimal sac and dvct-related complications were documented in only two patients ;they experienced epiphora associated with avulsion fracture of the nasolacrimal fossa, though the problem wasresolved by conservative treatment without surgery. CONCLUSION: Fractures of the nasolacrimal fossa and canalwere accompanied by simple or complex facial fractures. Injury-associated complications were rare, and all wereassociated with avulsion fractures of the nasolacrimal fossa.
