Possible sequelae of inferior turbinate fracture with external displacement include: empty nose syndrome, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, nasal cavity adhesion, etc.
1. Empty nose syndrome: when the inferior turbinate bone is moved outward excessively after fracture in the operation, which is close to the lateral wall of the nasal cavity, it may lead to the total nasal passages being too wide and the ventilation volume being too large, which may disturb the stimulation effect of the airflow on the nerves of the nasal cavity, and make the patients suffer from the symptoms of nasal congestion and the feeling of dryness in the nasal cavity.
2. Nasolacrimal duct blockage: the inferior turbinate bone is attached to the lateral wall of the nasal cavity under the operation of fracture displacement, which squeezes and closes the opening of the nasolacrimal duct and causes the blockage of the nasolacrimal duct, and it may be secondary to overflow of tears and lacrimal dacryocystitis.
3. Nasal adhesion: In the process of removing the nasal turbinate fracture, if the instrument damages the inferior turbinate and the mucosa of the nasal cavity, it can cause nasal adhesion in the postoperative period when the tissues are oedematous and the trauma is healed in place.
When nasal discomfort occurs or surgery is needed, the surgeon can be consulted to clarify the necessity of surgery and postoperative precautions, and most of the surgical risks and sequelae can be avoided.