Simultaneous Use of Bioabsorbable and Nonbioabsorbable Packing Materials During Closed Reduction of a Nasal Bone Fractures

The nasal packing material after closed reduction of nasal bone fracture may be bioabsorbable or nonbioabsorbable. To investigate the usefulness of the packing method using bioabsorbable and nonbioabsorbable materials simultaneously, a chart review was retrospectively performed involving 255 patients. Group A (n = 119), Nasopore (bioabsorbable) was cut appropriately and packed, and subsequently, supportive packing with Merocel (nonbioabsorbable) was performed. Group B (n = 78), nasal packing was performed with Vaseline roll gauze. Group C (n = 49), packed only Merocel. Pain and rhinorrhea were significantly lower in Merocel + Nasopore group (P < 0.05). It is thought that rhinorrhea is reduced by less mucosal irritation and maximizing the discharge absorption capacity by using Merocel and Nasopore simultaneously. By packing Nasopore first, pain is thought to be reduced by reducing the contact surface between Merocel and the injured mucosa and preventing a direct force to the fracture site. Therefore, our packing method, which uses Merocel and Nasopore simultaneously, can be recommended because it can provide sufficient support for the reduced fracture site, cause less pain, and maximize discharge absorption.