Nasal Fracture
Closed and open nasal reduction.
Nasal Fracture
The nasal bone is the most frequent bone fractured in the body. This is largely because it protrudes from the face, and the bones are thin and relatively fragile. Nasal fractures may result from sports injuries, physical altercations, falls, or car accidents. Indications of a nasal fracture include bruising, swelling, tenderness, pain, deformity, nasal congestion, and nose bleed.
Despite technological advances in imaging, nasal fractures are still definitively diagnosed by physical examination. Fractures of the nasal bones are palpable. External changes and asymmetries are typically visually discernable.
Nasal Reduction of Fractures
Minor fractures, meaning minimal displacement of the bones, may heal on their own and result in no significant impairment. More significant deformities resulting in changes in nasal breathing may require treatment with manual manipulation or closed nasal reduction. The optimal time to reduce nasal bone fractures is within 9 days of injury.
If the bones have partially healed, or if the injury creates a situation in which the bones are wedged in a manner that can not be moved, open reduction may be required. This involves rebreaking the bones to adequately mobilize and set them to their normal anatomic position.
Recovery typically involves a cast for 1-2 weeks. The bones are quite mobile for the first month and may take up to 3 months to completely solidify. It is recommended during this time to avoid contact sports, sunglasses, direct pressure from eyeglasses, or other activities that may risk injury to the nose.
