The Nasal Fracture Algorithm.

The Nasal Fracture Algorithm.

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017 Jan 01;:194599816688179

Authors: Lanigan A, Lospinoso J, Bowe SN, Laury AM

Abstract
Since the initiation of resident duty hour restrictions, significant controversy has arisen regarding its impact on surgical resident training. We reviewed a singular facet of the otolaryngology residency experience, nasal bone fracture management, to identify if treatment standardization would improve care and efficiency. For 1 year, otolaryngology consults for isolated nasal fractures were analyzed to assess consultation trends, rate of intervention, and resident work hour utilization. Following a review of the literature, an evidence-based algorithm for management of nasal fractures was developed. Analysis revealed a potential improvement in intervention rate from 20% to 100% with utilization of the algorithm, with an 84% decrease in overall emergency room and inpatient consultations. Sixty-three hours of otherwise lost resident time would be gained. In the setting of Accreditation for Graduate Medical Education duty hour restrictions, implementation of protocol-driven management may result in a decrease in work hours and serve as a model for more efficient otolaryngology care.

PMID: 28118548 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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