Nasal Fracture/Broken Nose

The Basics of a Nasal Fracture/Broken Nose

As careful as we try to be sometimes it’s tough to avoid accidents. Nasal Fracture/Broken Nose are extremely common as a matter of fact, the nose is the most commonly broken bone in the face and third most common broken bone in the entire body.

Nasal fractures typically result from facial injuries resulting from:

• Personal fights
• Falls / Accidents
• Sports injury
• In children, nasal fractures are most commonly due to falls
• Injuries affecting the teeth and mouth may also affect the nose

Effects of Nasal Fracture/Broken Nose

Besides the obvious aesthetic reasons one may choose to have a broken nose repaired, we must also take into consideration the quality of the air flow through the nasal airways.  When one fractures their nose it may present an obstruction to the nasal passageway causing an adverse effect to the amount of air they are able to draw in. Over time such a condition can lead to lightheadedness due to a lack of oxygen to the brain.

To understand the degrees of severity regarding Nasal Fracture/Broken Nose, one must first look into the various types and reasons that may result in a broken nose. The common types of nasal fracture may include:

Blowout Fractures

A common finding is extraocular muscle dysfunction, commonly characterized by the inability to look up on the affected side, suggesting entrapment of a nerve or muscle. The presenting complaint may be diplopia.

Nasolacrimal Duct Injury

The nasolacrimal complex lies in close proximity to the nasal bones. High-force mid-facial injuries or those resulting in comminuted fractures require a consultation with an ophthalmologist.

Infection (Caused by Nasal Fraction)

Although rare, infections resulting from nasal fractures can cause serious complications. For this reason, patients should be placed on antibiotics with coverage for staphylococcal pathogens.

Fracture of the Cribriform Plate

This type of injury may predispose to leakage of CSF, allowing rare but extremely serious complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, or brain abscess to follow.

Surgical Intervention

High-force nasal trauma resulting in deformity from displaced fractures or dislocations or from comminuted fractures may require open reduction and/or fixation by a surgeon.

Nasal Fracture/ Broken Nose Treatments

A broken nose can occur due to a bevvy of circumstances however, one constant remains – the best course of action is immediate action.

At Houston Sinus & Allergy, we offer state-of-the-art sinus treatments and will determine what course of action to take to provide relief from your Nasal Fracture/ Broken Nose.  Dr. Nguyen is a Board Certified ENT who specializes in the areas of the ear, nose and throat and has over a decade of experience in helping patients live more comfortably by identifying causes and providing effective solutions.  If you suffer from a nasal fracture / broken nose, get in touch with us today to book an assessment: (832) 237-7777.