Vol. 1, Issue 1 (2015)

Background: Nasal bone fractures are common facial injuries requiring effective management to ensure proper healing and cosmetic outcomes. Nasal splinting is widely used in the postoperative care of nasal fractures, but the effectiveness of different splint types, such as plaster of Paris (POP) and aluminium splints, remains to be fully evaluated.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Department of ENT, GSL Medical College, Rajamahendravaram involving 100 patients with nasal fractures or rhinoplasty. Patients were treated with either POP splints (73 patients) or aluminium splints (21 patients). Data was collected on fracture types, splint duration, patient comfort, clinical outcomes, and satisfaction rates. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 8 months.
Results: Patients treated with aluminium splints reported greater comfort and ease of use compared to those with POP splints, although some experienced skin irritation. POP splints, while bulkier and more cumbersome, provided superior stabilization for displaced and compound fractures. 95.94% of patients expressed overall satisfaction with their outcomes, with 32 requesting early removal of POP splints in favor of aluminium ones.
Conclusion: Both POP and aluminium splints effectively managed nasal fractures, but aluminium splints were preferred for comfort and ease of use in non-displaced fractures. POP splints remain valuable for complex fractures requiring more rigid stabilization.