Nasal fracture

Fractured nose with epistaxis; the result of a rugby injury.

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Overview

A nasal fracture, commonly referred to as a broken nose, is a fracture of the bone or cartilage of the nose. Because of the protrusion of the nose from the face and the fragility of the bones of the nose, a broken nose is one of the most common facial injuries, comprising almost 40% of all facial injuries.

Causes

Nasal fractures are caused by physical trauma to the face. Common sources of nasal fractures include sports injuries, fighting, falls, and car accidents.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a broken nose include bruising, swelling, tenderness, pain, deformity, and/or bleeding of the nose and nasal region of the face. The patient may have difficulty breathing, or excessive nosebleeds (if the nasal mucosa are damaged).

Diagnosis

Nasal fractures are usually identified visually and through physical examination. Diagnosis may be confirmed with X-rays or CT scans, particularly if other facial injuries are suspected.

Treatment

Minor nasal fractures are allowed to heal on their own. Doctors may prescribe ice, pain medication, and nasal decongestants to ease discomfort during the healing process. For nasal fractures where the nose has been deformed, the doctor may attempt to realign the broken bone and cartilage pieces. This can be done manually, or, for more serious breaks, with an outpatient surgical procedure.