Nasal trauma most often results from contact sports, physical altercations or accidents. When excessive mechanical force is applied to the nose, it can cause a break in the bone, cartilage or both. Patients are usually diagnosed in an emergency department and referred to a specialist for follow up and potential treatment.
Signs of nasal trauma may include:
If you think you have sustained some type of nasal fracture, you should see a doctor immediately.
Either a physician in the emergency department or your primary care physician will make the initial diagnosis. He or she will examine the primary site of trauma and determine if a nasal fracture was sustained. Imaging, such as a CT scan may be required in order to confirm the extent of trauma to your nose and surrounding areas.
If treatment is recommended, it is best if an initial attempt at repair is performed within two weeks of the date of injury. This consists of a closed reduction; a procedure performed in the office or the operating room involving local anesthetic and a tool used to realign the displaced bone and cartilage.
If a closed reduction cannot be performed or failed to provide an adequate or complete restoration of nasal form and function, then a surgical procedure may be indicated. This usually follows the injury by three to six months and involves repair of the cartilage with a septoplasty and reconstruction of the nasal shape with osteotomies. Your surgeon will examine your nose and determine if nasal reconstruction is medically necessary.
Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.