Nasal Fractures

Question 1

What is a nasal fracture

Answer 1

A break in the nasal bones due to blunt trauma.

Question 2

What causes nasal fractures

Answer 2

Sports injuries, fights, car accidents, falls.

Question 3

How are they prevented

Answer 3

Use protective sports gear, fall prevention strategies.

Question 4

What is a comminuted nasal fracture

Answer 4

bones shattered into multiple pieces

Question 5

What is a impacted fracture

Answer 5

bone fragments pushed together

Question 6

What are the complications of nasal fractures

Answer 6

Airway obstruction – Due to swelling or septal deviation.
Meningeal tears – Can cause CSF leakage, increasing meningitis risk.
Septal hematoma – Blood collection in the septum, which can:
Lead to abscess or deformity if untreated.
Require drainage to prevent complications.
Nasal deformity – May need surgical correction.

Question 7

What are the symptoms of a nasal fracture

Answer 7

Localized pain.
Crepitus (grating sensation on palpation).
Swelling & bruising.
Nasal obstruction & nosebleeds.
Periorbital bruising (“raccoon eyes”) – May indicate basilar skull fracture.

Question 8

How do you assess for a nasal fracture

Answer 8

Check for nasal obstruction in each nostril.
Inspect for:
Septal deviation, edema, bleeding, hematomas.
Analyze clear nasal drainage:
Send to lab for glucose testing to check for CSF leakage.

Question 9

what is the immediate treatment for nasal fracture

Answer 9

Ensure airway patency – Sit patient upright to reduce swelling & improve breathing.
Apply ice packs – 10-20 min intervals to minimize edema & bleeding.
Avoid nose blowing – Prevents clot disruption & further bleeding.
Pain relief: Prefer acetaminophen (NSAIDs/aspirin increase bleeding risk).
Nasal decongestants, saline sprays, humidifiers – Reduce nasal stuffiness.
Avoid hot showers & alcohol for 48 hrs – Prevents increased swelling

Question 10

what is the surgical treatment for nasal fracture

Answer 10

Manual manipulation – For simple fractures, performed within the first few hours post-injury.
Delayed repair (5-10 days post-injury) – Allows swelling to subside before surgery.
Septoplasty – To correct deviated septum and restore airflow.

Question 11

what is the medical treatment for nasal fracture

Answer 11

Antibiotics – If mucosal disruption is present to prevent infection.
Septal hematoma drainage – Prevents nasal deformity & infection.
Antibiotics after septal hematoma drainage – Prevent secondary infection