Nasal fracture

A nasal bone fracture ( also broken nose ) refers to a fracture of the nasal bones.

Cause

When projecting body part nose acts of violence by shock, impact or case is very exposed, the nasal bone fracture is a relatively common injury. In case of impact from the front usually the nasal bones bend transversely in the lower third. We also find the cartilaginous nasal septum is often broken. Not infrequently there is a septal hematoma. When exposed to greater violence and the adjacent bone structures may be involved ( frontal process of the maxillary bone, lacrimal bone, ethmoid ).

Symptoms

A nose fracture is usually associated with epistaxis, followed by swelling and hematoma discoloration of the muzzle. A displacement of the bone fragments is usually evident in the form of a sunken nasal bridge or a lateral deviation of the nose visible (Boxer nose). A swelling can occasionally obscure a small change in shape first.

Diagnosis

A change in shape leaves no doubt of a broken nose. For the assessment of the nasal septum, an inspection of the interior of the nose ( rhinoscopy ) is required. Palpation of the nasal fracture edges can palpated or mobility of the fragments are detected. Radiographs of the nose bring the fracture gap and possible displacements of the fragments to the view.

Treatment

In non-displaced fractures, the nasal bones grow without treatment together again. Moved bone fragments must be repositioned to avoid permanent impairment of nasal breathing.

If the existing nosebleeds often not by themselves to a standstill, a nasal packing is required.

Moved bone fragments are raised under local anesthesia or general anesthesia with an elevator inside the nose and brought back into regular position. The reduction must be made at least eight to ten days after the break, because otherwise the nose ( in the shifted position ) is fixed again. A septal hematoma or a Septumfraktur with shift must be treated surgically. The procedure is similar to a septoplasty. Extensive comminuted fractures may need be supplied by exposure from the outside. After the operation, the nose is fixed with a splint or a cast.