Nasal fracture

A break in one or both nasal bones, sometimes extending into nearby cartilage or other facial structures. It can alter nasal shape, breathing, or both.

Nasal bones: A paired set of small facial bones forming the bridge of the nose. These bones are the primary structures broken in a nasal fracture.
Physical examination: Assessment of a person’s health through inspection, touch, and other bedside techniques. Inspection and palpation help identify displacement, tenderness, and associated injuries.
Nasal contusion: Bruising of the nose’s soft tissues without a broken nasal bone. Both injuries cause swelling and tenderness, but a contusion does not fracture bone.
Nasal septal perforation: A hole through the tissue separating the nasal passages. Severe septal injury or tissue damage during treatment can rarely cause this complication.
Nasal septum: The wall of cartilage and bone separating the two nasal passages. Septal injury can accompany a fracture and obstruct airflow.
Nasal endoscopy: Examination of the nasal cavity using a thin instrument with a light and camera. It can reveal septal injury or obstruction not evident from external inspection.
Le Fort fracture: A fracture pattern separating parts of the midface from the skull base. This broader facial fracture can resemble severe nasal trauma but involves different structures.
Saddle nose deformity: A sunken nasal bridge caused by loss of support in the nose’s central structure. Damage to septal support after major trauma can produce this distinctive deformity.
Nasal obstruction: Partial or complete blockage of airflow through one or both nasal passages. Swelling, displaced bones, or septal damage can make breathing difficult after injury.
Computed tomography: An imaging method that combines X-ray measurements to produce cross-sectional views of the body. It is generally reserved for suspected complex facial injury rather than isolated nasal fractures.

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NosebleedRelated: Injury to the nose can damage vessels and cause bleeding.