Nasal Fracture

Nasal fracture refers to a break in one or more of the bones within the nose. These injuries can range in severity from minor fractures with minimal symptoms to more severe breaks that can lead to significantly more pain and the possibility of deformity.

Common Symptoms Of A Nasal Fracture

• Pain or tenderness
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Crooked nose
• Difficulty breathing
• Nosebleeds
• Blocked nasal passages

If you or your child experiences these symptoms after an injury, seeking medical attention promptly is important to determine if a nasal fracture has occurred.

Nasal fractures can occur as a result of various types of trauma.

Causes Of Nasal Trauma:

• Sports injuries
• Car accidents
• Physical altercations
• Falls

For most, recovery from a nasal fracture depends on the severity of the break and how soon after the injury you seek medical attention.

Treatments Options For Nasal Fractures:

• Realignment of Nasal Bones: typically, an ENT can realign the bones in the nose if treatment is sought within 14 days of the injury. This realignment is done in-office with local anesthesia.
• Splinting: After realignment, your nose may need to be splinted with packing inside and dressing outside to hold the bones and cartilage in place as they heal.
• Surgery: If the fracture is severe enough or the window to realign the bones in the nose has passed, surgery may be necessary to correct the alignment.

• Definition: Closed reduction of a nasal fracture is a minimally invasive procedure to realign displaced nasal bones without making incisions.
• Procedure: The surgeon uses specialized instruments to reposition the bones, often under local or general anesthesia, depending on the case.
• Timing: It is typically performed within two weeks of the injury, after swelling subsides but before the bones set improperly.
• Anesthesia options: Local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia may be used based on patient needs and preferences.
• Recovery: Patients may wear an external nasal splint for about a week; mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising are common during recovery.
• Benefits: The procedure is quick, less invasive than open surgery, and has a high success rate for uncomplicated fractures.
• Limitations: It is not suitable for severe or complex fractures, which may require open reduction surgery.