Nasal Bone Fracture Reduction Under Local Anaesthesia: A Holistic Approach to Nasal Blocks and a Comparison with General Anaesthesia.

Abstract

To compare the pain scores in closed reduction of nasal bone fractures under local anaesthesia (LA) and general anaesthesia (GA), and to outline the blocks that should be used for the same based on their nerve supply. A prospective study was conducted with 40 patients with Class 1 and 2 nasal bone and septal fracture. 20 patients underwent the procedure under LA and 20 under GA. The local blocks that should be used based on the complete nerve supply of the nose has been tabulated. Pain scores were recorded immediately after the procedure and 6h later. Additionally, all the patients undergoing reduction under LA were asked, if given the choice again, if they would prefer to undergo the procedure under LA or GA. The overall difference in the pain scores calculated by T-test showed a p-value of 0.08807 (the result was not significant at p < .05) in the immediate post operative period. At the 6h post operative period, overall difference in the pain scores showed a p-value of 0.384972 (not significant at p < .05). Of the patients who underwent the procedure under LA, 18 of 20 (90%) said that if given a choice again, they would undergo the procedure under LA, while 2 said they would prefer GA. Based on the pain score in the La vs. GA groups, there is no significant difference in the pain scores whether closed reduction is done under local or general anaesthesia. If all the blocks are given keeping the nerve supplies in mind, and both externally, and with pledgets, the entire nerve supply of the nose can be blocked.