Isolated fractures of the nose are associated with olfactory impairment.

OBJECTIVE: Many studies investigated olfactory function following head trauma, but surprisingly few studies looked at smell loss following fractures of the nose. The aim of this study was to examine whether isolated fractures of the nose are associated with olfactory dysfunction. METHODS: A total of 97 participants (49 patients in the fracture group, 48 participants in the control group) were included in this cross-sectional study. The fracture and control groups were matched in terms of gender and age. Time since fracture varied, starting from 28 days to a maximum of 2 years. Olfaction was tested using the "Sniffin Sticks" test battery (odour threshold, discrimination and identification) and further data was collected using a basic questionnaire as well as via ENT examination with nasal endoscopy. RESULTS: Compared to controls the scores for odour discrimination and odour identification were lower in the fracture group (mean odour identification: 11.5 vs. 12.8; mean odour discrimination: 11.2 vs. 12.6; p<0.05). Odour thresholds were also decreased in the trauma group (mean odour thresholds: 6.8 vs. 8.1; p=0.06). General olfactory function scores (TDI score) correlated negatively with the time since fracture (p < 0.001) possibly indicating further decrease of function following trauma. CONCLUSION: Fractures of the nose are associated with a decrease in olfactory function, which is found especially for odour discrimination and odour identification.