Study on the application of deep learning artificial intelligence techniques in the diagnosis of nasal bone fracture

Purpose: To evaluate the identification of nasal bone fractures and their clinical diagnostic significance for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of maxillofacial computed tomography (CT) images by applying artificial intelligence (AI) with deep learning (DL).

Methods: CT maxillofacial 3D reconstruction images of 39 patients with normal nasal bone and 43 patients with nasal bone fracture were retrospectively analysed, and a total of 247 images were obtained in three directions: the orthostatic, left lateral and right lateral positions. The CT scan images of all patients were reviewed by two senior specialists to confirm the presence or absence of nasal fractures. Binary classification prediction was performed using the YOLOX detection model + GhostNetv2 classification model with a DL algorithm. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were used to evaluate the efficacy of the AI model. Manual independent review, and AI model-assisted manual independent review were used to identify nasal fractures.

Results: Compared with those of manual independent detection, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of AI-assisted film reading improved between junior and senior physicians. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05), and all were higher than manual independent detection.

Conclusions: Based on deep learning methods, an artificial intelligence model can be used to assist in the diagnosis of nasal bone fractures, which helps to promote the practical clinical application of deep learning methods.