Nasal Fractures
It's not surprising that the nose, being the most prominent structure in the middle of the face, is the most commonly broken bone in the head region. Nasal fractures can be not only visually altering but also the cause of significant nasal congestion.
What is a Nasal Fracture?
Nasal trauma can be distressing for the patient. The cause of trauma can be a punch from someone else, falling, door impact, sports injuries, accidents, etc. Nasal fractures can occur even in head and face traumas where the nose did not directly receive trauma. After trauma, nasal bleeding and difficulty breathing through the nose usually occur. Swelling occurs both inside and outside the nose, and there may be bruising around the eyes.
Both cartilaginous and bony structures of the nose can be broken after trauma. Accumulations of blood clots may occur in the septum, which separates the two nasal cavities (septal hematoma).
How Can Nasal Fractures be Prevented?
Protective equipment can be used, especially in contact sports.
When Should I See an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist?
After a nasal trauma, it is necessary to consult an ENT specialist for the evaluation of both the inside and outside of the nose. Because in the emergency room, a non-specialist may not evaluate problems such as septal hematoma, especially outside emergency situations. Early evaluation of nasal fractures or problems inside the nose is crucial because the earlier the evaluation, the earlier the intervention can be made. Interventions performed in the first few days offer a chance for improvement. If delayed, the nasal deformities can only be corrected through surgical methods months later. Unresolved issues can lead to shape distortions and nasal congestions.
How are Nasal Fractures Diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask you some questions and conduct a detailed examination of your nose and face when you experience nasal trauma. Questions about the nature of the trauma, general health status, and how the nose looked before the trauma will be asked. Your doctor will not only examine your nose but also assess surrounding structures such as the area around your eyes, your jaw, and your teeth for bruising, tears, and swelling.
In some cases, your doctor may want to see your X-rays or a computed tomography (CT) scan. These imaging techniques are more often requested to diagnose other potential fractures on the face. However, they do not always help a lot in nasal fractures. The best diagnosis of a nasal fracture is made through the physical examination of the nose shape by your doctor.
What Are My Treatment Options?
If your nose is broken, and there is no deformity, no treatment is needed; rest and avoiding trauma to the nose are sufficient.
If there is a more severe fracture causing a deformity that needs correction, there are several treatment options. In-office correction of the deformity may be sufficient in some cases, while in others, your doctor may recommend numbing the nasal region and then performing the correction. Correction performed in the operating room with general anesthesia may be necessary for more severe deformities. After the procedure, splints made of plaster, plastic, or metal materials may be placed on the nose to prevent the nasal bones from moving out of place. If more than two weeks have passed, corrective surgery can be performed after waiting at least 2-3 months. This waiting period is necessary for the complete resolution of edema on the nose and the best evaluation of the nose's pre-fracture and post-fracture shapes. In a surgery performed after these periods, both old and new issues in the nose can be corrected. If an aesthetic surgery is considered, an ENT specialist is the right professional to address both functional and aesthetic issues.