Nasal Bone X-ray is the study of the bone base of the nose and the nearby structures of the facial skull using X-rays. It is used for visualization of nasal bones and paranasal sinuses. It is used in the diagnosis of fractures, to confirm infectious and inflammatory processes. It is prescribed for the purpose of detecting malignant formations, polyps and cysts. Since the study affects the paranasal sinuses, the procedure can be used to determine their airiness. Radiography is performed when foreign bodies are suspected, as well as in preparation for operations in this area.
Indication
Nasal bone x-ray is one of the most informative diagnostic procedures that are used in modern clinics in the study of pathologies of the nose bones. It can be prescribed for injuries, inflammatory diseases, suspected tumor-like neoplasms. Among the main indications for radiography of the nasal bones are:
- suspicion of the presence of foreign bodies in the nasal passages;
- fracture of the bones of the nose (X-ray is prescribed necessarily, because it can give prompt and accurate information about the complexity of the fracture, its localization);
- suspected neoplasms in the nasal paranasal sinuses;
- curvature, displacement of the nasal septum;
- suspected osteomyelitis (purulent disease affecting bone tissue);
- suspected presence of cysts and polyps.
Also, an X-ray can be prescribed as a planned diagnostic procedure when it is necessary to draw up a strategy for the upcoming operation (for example, to correct the septum, remove polyps, and so on).
Nasal bone x-ray in case of injuries
Nasal injuries, for example, a fracture of the nasal septum, are quite common. These may be sports or household injuries – in any case, an X-ray will allow you to see exactly where the fracture is located and how damaged the structure of the nasal bone is. Also, fragments will be visible on the X-ray, it will be possible to predict complications and plan an operation to restore the bone.With the help of an X-ray, you can determine the type of fracture of the nose:
- transverse;
- oblique;
- straight;
- without offset;
- in the form of a bird’s beak;
- multi-fragmented, without noticeable displacement of fragments;
- destruction of the nasal septum.
Severe types of destruction of the bone tissue of the nose are accompanied by hemorrhage in the paranasal sinuses, as can be judged by the nasolabial image. The formation of ossified calluses in this area is slow due to the bone-cartilaginous structure. After some time after all the restorative operations have been performed, an X-ray may be prescribed again, for example, after 2-4 weeks. This is necessary in order to assess how quickly and correctly the fusion of bone tissue occurs. X-ray images of the facial bones of the nose in case of injuries are important to make for timely diagnosis of periostitis.
The main symptoms of this pathology are: pain when making even small movements, discomfort and slight swelling in the areas of inflammation. The color of the skin in the affected areas most often does not change. If the periostitis of the nasal bone was the result of a blow, fracture, bruise, then after 2-3 weeks all its symptoms, as well as the inflammation itself, disappear. If there is an exacerbation of fibrous proliferation of bone tissue, the disease becomes chronic. At this stage, there may already be redness of the skin in the nose area. In this case, it is worth starting treatment immediately, since delay will lead to such a serious complication as purulent periostitis.
What shows
On nasal bone x-ray , the doctor can see:
- the bones of the nose in various projections. According to the images, their structure, location, and integrity are evaluated.
- frontal and maxillary sinuses. It is important to assess the size of the sinuses, to detect foreign bodies in them (if any), neoplasms.
- the main paranasal sinus and cells in the temporal bones.
- when choosing a special position of the head in the pictures, you can also capture the latticed sinuses of the nose.
Preparation
Since a simple X-ray is a non-invasive procedure, it can be performed without preparation. The patient, having come to the examination, should take off his metal jewelry and be prepared for the fact that during the shooting he will have to remain motionless and not breathe for a while. If the patient has, for example, metal dental implants or other foreign bodies, it is worth telling the radiologist about this. X-rays can be done with different patient positions. Most often, he is seated in front of an X-ray machine or placed near an X-ray stand. Such positions allow you to get the most accurate pictures. The X-ray is performed as follows:
- the patient takes a comfortable position in the desired position;
- the chin is placed on a special rack;
- the median line of the head is swept;
- a snapshot is being taken.
To get the most detailed and complete information about the condition of the bones of the nose, pictures can be taken in two projections – straight and lateral. In the first case, the patient faces the X-ray machine, in the second – sideways (left or right). The method of direct radiography shows only destruction with displacement. To establish the side of the damage, take pictures of the nose in the left and right side projections. In practice, another type of projection is also used – nasal-chin projection. This image clearly visualizes the nasal bones, as well as the processes of the upper jaw. Due to the axial course of the X-ray radiation, it is in this projection that it is easy to detect the displacement of fragments when taking pictures of a broken nose.
Interpretation
When the X-ray images are decoded, the doctor analyzes the following indicators:
- the walls and edges of the nasal bones. It is necessary to assess how clear their boundaries are, whether the thickness is normal.
- the air space in the sinuses. It is important to assess the size of this space, the symmetry.
- cells on the lattice bone. It is necessary to assess how well they are visualized, what their structure and size are.
Contraindications
Pregnancy is an absolute contraindication for carrying out an nasal bone x-ray. It is also not recommended to carry out such a diagnosis for people with reduced immunity or patients in serious condition. For children under 14-15 years of age, a nose X-ray is done only in extreme cases when there is a suspicion of the presence of a foreign body in the nasal passages or pneumonia.
