The impact of using intranasal splints on morbidity and prevalence of adhesions

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of using intranasal splints for prevention of adhesions and to assess the morbidity associated with their use.

METHODS: A retrospective study based on 2 tertiary hospitals from 1988-1995. One hundred and fourteen patients were divided into 2 groups. Group one with splints and group 2 without. The splints were used for 10 days and nasal toilet was carried out twice. Score of adhesions, perforation, bleeding, pain, crusting, and septum position were recorded.

RESULTS: Adhesions in both groups were almost the same as well as septum medialization and perforation scores. Pain and crusting were more common in the splinted group (p-value <0.001).

CONCLUSION: The use of intranasal splints should be individualized. Nasal irrigation is of importance to prevent crusting. The morbidity associated with intranasal splints should be considered before use.