Nasal Fractures

A broken nose or nasal fracture happens when a bone in the nose breaks or cracks. Most often, it occurs in the bone over the bridge of the nose. A broken nose may cause pain, swelling and bruising around the nose and under the eyes. This condition usually results from contact sports, physical fights, falls, and motor vehicle accidents causing facial trauma.

The nose may appear crooked, causing trouble breathing. Procedures that realign the nose are required as treatment for a broken nose, and in most cases, surgery usually isn't needed.

Signs that indicate a broken nose condition includes pain or tenderness, especially when touching the nose, bleeding from the nose. The other symptoms are swelling of the nose and surrounding areas, discharge of mucus or feeling that one or both of the nasal passages are blocked, bruising around the nose or eyes, crooked or misshapen nose, and difficulty breathing through the nose.

A swollen, disfigured nose with pain and tenderness are the first signs of a broken nose. There will be cracking or popping of the nose with mucus and blood flow depending on the severity of the fracture. Due to the damage occurred to the surrounding areas and the intensity of blood clots, there will be black eyes or bruises beneath the eyes. If the nasal bone is applying pressure on your nostril portions, you will face trouble breathing through the nose and require your mouth for breathing. Changes or loss of smell are a few other characteristics. However, it’s better to run tests under a qualified surgeon like Dr. Prem Anand to confirm your candidature for the condition. Anew Cosmetic Clinic provides diagnosis and treatment for nasal fractures. Trust the expert Surgeons at Anew for the best treatment options

A thorough physical examination by the medical practitioner at Anew is usually the first diagnostic step towards treating a broken nose. Usually, nasal bleeding is the first sign of mucosal laceration inside the nose. The surgeon first examines the external surface of the nose through digital palpation. Any swelling or laceration is a sign of the position of fracture below the skin surface. During this examination, any bumps on the nasal surface in the form of humps, steps, and crepitus are closely monitored as possible fracture points. During this time, the intranasal anatomy is also evaluated using a nasal speculum. Septal deviation, septal hematoma, and mucosal tear or laceration are all evaluated for a proper diagnosis. Any history of previous nasal fracture or preexisting septal deviation should be informed beforehand to the surgeon to diagnose. X-rays and CT scans are also performed for knowing the extent of the damage.

In this regard, Dr. Prem anand has integrated his clinics in Bangalore and Goa with state-of-the-art modalities to properly diagnose a broken nose condition.

Nasal fractures are said to be minor or type 1 when they involve only the nose. These fractures are later classified as type 2 and type 3 when the fracture involves the nasal and other facial and orbital bones.

Minor nasal displacements or fractures are allowed to heal independently with ice packs and medications as the only treatment option during the broken nose healing process. Sometimes the bone displacement is corrected through closed reduction using forceps and other nasal instruments.

Septal hematoma, if acquired with the fracture, is aspirated or drained at the earliest instance. Septal hematomas being formed by rupture of blood vessels, draining them is important to prevent infection and necrosis of the underlying broken nose cartilage support. In the case of open wounds, the area of injury is thoroughly rinsed to prevent contamination of the soft tissues with foreign matter. Type 2 and 3 fractures usually require urgent broken nose surgery. As a part of nose fracture treatment, you should keep your head in an elevated position and limit your movements to allow easy blood flow.

Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty are the two main surgical methods of treating a broken nose. Septoplasty is performed under the administration of anesthesia to correct a fractured or deviated septum. In Rhinoplasty, the skin over the nose is lifted post administration of anesthetics, followed by restructuring and reshaping the nasal structure. Post correction, the skin is sutured or stitched back to its position. A splint or nasal bandage is applied over or inside the nose to keep the operated nose in place.

These two procedures are either performed on their own or in combination (Septoplasty), depending on the severity of your condition with the surgeon’s treatment plan

An untreated broken nose can lead to septal fractures, deformities, and deviations. This can result in frequent headaches and snoring problems that will impact your social and psychological well-being. Frequent nosebleeds with sinusitis can lead to serious ocular problems over time. Sleep obstruction due to breathing difficulties can lead to sleep apnea that can have serious repercussions like increased blood pressure, depression, and an overall lethargic state of being. A crooked nose, if left untreated, can lead to facial deformities and aesthetically affect your self-esteem. That’s why, it is imperative to run necessary tests and go for the surgery, if required, under a qualified surgeon like Dr. Prem Anand to fix your broken nose before it starts to affect your normal routine life.