Overview
A nasal bone fracture is a break in the bone over the bridge of the nose. It's often caused by a direct blow to the face. While many fractures are minor, some can cause significant deformity and breathing issues.
Common symptoms
- Pain, swelling and tenderness of the nose
- Nosebleed (epistaxis)
- Crooked or misshapen appearance of the nose
- Bruising around the eyes (black eyes)
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- A "crunchy" sound or feeling (crepitus) when touching the nose
When to see an ENT
- The bridge of your nose appears crooked or twisted
- You have persistent difficulty breathing through your nose
- The swelling doesn't go down after 2-3 days
- You notice a new, large, painful swelling on the septum (septal haematoma)
What we do
- Physical examination to check for bone movement, instability and septal haematoma
- Nasal endoscopy to evaluate internal injuries
- Review of X-rays or CT scans if indicated for complex fractures
Treatment options
- Closed Reduction: Repositioning the nasal bones without surgery (usually within 1-2 weeks of injury)
- Septorhinoplasty: Surgical correction for complex or old fractures causing deformity or breathing issues
- Management of associated septal haematomas to prevent complications