Treatment of Broken Nose (nasal Fracture)

About the disease

Traumatic nose deflection is a common condition which results in the deviation of nasal bone. Nasal bone is relatively fragile compared to other bones in the body, that`s why it is more susceptible to traumas and fractures.

There are two types of traumas which can lead to traumatic nose deflection: blunt and penetrating. Blunt trauma can be the result of fight, accident or severe fall. It can result in bleeding if the blood vessels of the nose are ruptured and also in visible change of nasal bone form. Penetrating trauma can be the result of assault or contact with some object.

After trauma of the nose it is important to get it checked by the professionals to rule out the possibility of fracture. If there had been fracture, the person can hear characteristic cracking sound, which can indicate broken nasal bone. In traumatic nose deflection the nose can be deviated either to the right or to the left. Deflection can be visible immediately after the traumas or can become apparent several hours after the nasal septum was affected. Usually, the nose get swollen and there can be bleeding which would take longer than usual to stop. If the bleeding is severe, person needs to be taken to the emergency room immediately to prevent blood loss and also ensure that there had not been any head or facial trauma. It is important to check the person for the signs of concussion which can be present in case of fall or accident. Concussion can lead to internal bleeding and can be fatal in some cases. If there are any breathing problems, the patient must be checked right away to assist breathing and also ensure normal pulmonary function. 

Symptoms

• Deviation of the nasal bone
• Swelling
• Bleeding
• Puffiness
• Pain in the nasal bone
• Breathing difficulty in some cases

Diagnosis

• During a general examination the doctor will inquire about the exact type of trauma that the patient sustained.
• The doctor will examine the nasal septum to determine the extent of nasal deflection.
• The doctor will assess if there is bleeding or any breathing problems.
• An X-ray of the nasal bone is used to determine the extent and exact location of deflection. This test can also rule out the possibility of fracture if it had been present.
• A CT scan of the head and nose can be used as well if there is a suspicion of concussion or if the doctor wants to examine nasal cavity more closely.

Treatment

• It is important to position the nasal bone straight in case of deflection. The doctor may use special techniques to straighten the nose or refer to surgery.
• Rhinoplasty is the surgery which can improve the deflection of the nose and also improve appearance of the nose.

Authors: Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, Dr. Farrukh Ahmed