In addition to the role of the nose as a vital organ for the sense of smell and breathing, it also has an important role in determining the aesthetic facial features. Nasal fractures are a common injury and have many causes. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at the types of nasal fractures, their symptoms, how to diagnose them at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, and the available treatment options. 

​Causes of nose fractures 

There are many reasons that lead to a broken nose, the most prominent of which are:

• Sports injuries, especially contact sports such as football, basketball, and boxing, as well as sports involving equipment such as baseball or cricket, where the nose may be hit by a ball or bat.
• Car accidents, where it is common to collide with the dashboard or steering wheel and collide with the face, especially the nose, with parts inside the car. It is also possible to collide with the airbag, although it is designed for protection, but the force of opening the airbag may cause a broken nose in some cases.
• Falling from bicycles or motorcycles.
• Falling in general, whether from any height such as a ladder or a window, or falling on a flat surface, especially in children and the elderly. 
• Assaults and blows, such as fistfights, being punched directly in the nose, or being hit with hard objects.
• Collision with fixed objects, such as doors or edges of furniture.
• Work injuries, especially in environments that involve the risk of falling or hitting objects.

Types of nose fractures

The variety of fractures in the nose is due to several factors, including the location and severity of the fracture, the presence of bone displacement, the effect of the fracture on the facial structure, and whether the fracture is open or closed. The most prominent types of nose fractures include the following:

• Simple, non-displaced nasal bone fracture, which is a crack or break in the nasal bone but parts of the bone are still in place.
• Simple displaced nasal bone fracture, a fracture of the nasal bone with parts of the bone moving from their normal place, which may lead to a deformity in the shape of the nose.
• Comminuted nasal bone fracture, where the nasal bone is divided into several small pieces.
• Unilateral nasal bone fracture, a fracture that affects one of the nasal bones.
• Bilateral nasal bone fracture, a fracture that affects both nasal bones.
• Fractures of the nasal septum, whether in the bone or cartilage that makes up the nasal septum, may lead to a deviated septum, causing difficulty breathing or nosebleeds. Blood may accumulate inside the nasal septum and a hematoma forms in the nasal septum. This is an emergency condition that requires immediate treatment.
• Complex nasal fractures include fractures of the nasal bones in addition to injuries to other nearby structures, such as the cheekbones, upper jaw, nasal septum, or cartilage. They also require complex treatment and may significantly affect the function and appearance of the nose.
• An open fracture, i.e. one with a break in the skin that exposes the broken bone, increases the risk of infection and requires special care.
• Closed fracture, when the skin over the fracture is intact.

If you suffer from a broken nose or symptoms of injury after an accident or fall, do not neglect your condition and visit Ear, Nose and Throat Centre At Al-Moussa Specialized Hospital to obtain the appropriate diagnosis and treatment for your condition

أعراض كسور الانف

The symptoms associated with nasal fractures vary in severity, and this depends on the type of fracture, its location, and the extent of injury to the surrounding tissues. The most prominent symptoms that indicate the presence of a nasal fracture include the following:

• Immediate and severe pain in the nose and surrounding area after injury, which may increase upon touch or movement.
• Noticeable swelling and swelling of the nose and surrounding face, especially around the eyes and cheeks.
• The appearance of bruises and a change in skin color around the nose and eyes, as a result of blood collecting under the skin. It may take a few days for the bruises to appear.
• The occurrence of a deformity in the shape of the nose, where the nose may appear crooked, skewed, flat, or wider than usual, and the deformity may be obvious or slight.
• Nosebleeds immediately after the injury and may last for a short or long time.
• Difficulty breathing through the nose, feeling blocked or having difficulty passing air through one or both nostrils.
• Headache, especially if the injury is severe.
• Feeling dizzy or nauseous, in cases of severe injuries.
• Mucous discharge from the nose, which may be accompanied by blood.
• A change in the sense of smell, as a result of the impact of the fracture on the olfactory nerves, in rare cases.
• Movement or vibration of the bones when touching the nose.

It is worth noting that seeking immediate medical attention in the event of a broken nose is extremely important, especially in the following cases: 

• Pain and swelling persist after 3 to 5 days 
• Uncontrollable bleeding or noticeable changes in the shape of the nose unrelated to swelling. 
• صعوبات في التنفس. 
• Frequent nosebleeds. 
• حمى شديدة. 
• آلام الرقبة. 
• Vomiting or loss of consciousness associated with a nasal injury. 
• Clear, watery liquid coming out of the nose. 

يمكنك الاطلاع على دور أخصائي أمراض الأنف ومتى يجب زيارته

Treatment of nose fractures

Treatment of a nasal fracture depends on several key factors, including the type and severity of the fracture, the presence of bone displacement, the presence of other complications, and the time that has passed since the injury. 

The goal of treating a broken nose at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital is to relieve pain, restore the normal function of the nose, especially breathing, as well as maintain its aesthetic appearance. General methods of treating nose fractures include the following:

First: Primary care and direct home measures after injury, which include: 

• Control bleeding by gently pressing the soft part of the nose and below the nasal bone for 10-15 minutes while leaning forward.
•  Apply cold compresses to the nose and face to help reduce swelling and pain.
• Pain relief, using over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
• Elevate the head, when lying down, with extra pillows to help reduce swelling.
• Avoid tampering with the nose, whether moving or modifying the shape of the nose yourself.

Second: Non-surgical treatment For nose fractures 

In the case of simple, non-displaced fractures or those that were treated early, it includes the following:

• Monitor for symptoms and provide home care instructions and pain relief.
• External nasal splinting, to provide support and protection during the recovery period. The splint usually remains for a week.
• Filling the nose with gaskets, in cases of continuous bleeding or after procedures to realign the nose to help stop the bleeding and stabilize the bones. The fillings are removed after a few days.

Third: Surgical treatment of nose fractures

 In the case of displaced and complex fractures, or those that were not treated early, it includes the following:

• To realign a closed nose, the patient is given local or general anesthesia, and using special tools, the doctor moves the broken bones to their correct position through the skin, and then an external splint and perhaps packing is placed inside the nose. This procedure is usually done within 7-14 days of the injury, before the swelling hardens. 
•  Open nose realignment: This procedure relies on making surgical incisions to directly identify and rearrange the broken bones. This may require stabilizing the bones using plates or small screws. The doctor resorts to this procedure in complex cases, such as comminuted fractures or fractures that involve the nasal septum or other facial bones. 
• Nasal septum surgery to correct it, if there is a significant deviation in the nasal septum that hinders breathing after the fracture.
• Nose reconstruction, an operation may be required تجميل الأنف لاحقا في بعض الحالات لتصحيح أي تشوهات دائمة في الشكل بعد التئام الكسر، ولكن يتم تأجيل هذه العملية عادة لمدة 6 أشهر على الأقل بعد الإصابة الأولية للسماح بالتئام الأنسجة بشكل كامل.

How are nose fractures diagnosed? 

Nose fractures are diagnosed at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital through a set of steps that include clinical examination and medical imaging. The basic steps for diagnosing nose fractures include the following:

• History of the injury and symptoms. The doctor asks about how the injury occurred, when it occurred, the force to which the nose was exposed, and inquires about pain, swelling, bruising, bleeding, difficulty breathing, and any noticeable deformity in the shape of the nose.
• Visual examination: The doctor carefully examines the nose and face for any signs of deformity, such as curvature or flattening, and then examines the skin to detect any wounds or bruises.
• Palpation: The doctor gently touches the nose to feel any painful areas, swelling, or abnormal bone movement. He also examines the nasal septum to detect any deviation or blood accumulation.
• Intranasal examination, using a small endoscope, the doctor examines the inside of the nostrils to evaluate the nasal septum and mucous membranes to detect active bleeding, swelling, or blood collection. 
• X-ray of the nose is the initial and most common imaging test for diagnosing nasal fractures. Pictures are taken from different angles to show a fracture in the nasal bones, but some microfractures or cartilage fractures may not appear clearly on the X-ray.
• Computed tomography, in the case of complex fractures and to evaluate complex nasal septal injuries, and in case of planning surgery and the diagnosis is not clear on X-ray. 

Frequently asked questions 

Can a broken nose be repaired?

Yes, in most cases nasal fractures can be repaired. The success of the repair depends on several factors, including:

• Type and severity of fracture. 
• Diagnosis and early intervention for treatment. 
• The extent of displacement in the case of bone fractures.
• The presence of any other injuries. 
• The extent of the patient’s compliance with the doctor’s instructions.

How long does it take for a broken nose to heal?

The time it takes for a nasal fracture to heal varies greatly and depends on several factors such as the severity and type of fracture, its location, the age of the patient, and the treatment that was followed. 

In general, the healing stages of a nose fracture and the expected time period can be divided as follows:

• Pain, swelling, and bruising subside. The external splint may be removed after about a week. 
• From 4 to 6 weeks, the nasal bones begin to heal significantly.
• From 6 months to a year, until the nose heals completely and its final shape stabilizes.

Does the nose return to normal after a fracture?

Yes, the nose can return to its normal shape after a fracture in most cases, and this depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Simple, non-displaced fractures often heal without any major medical intervention, and the nose returns to its natural shape over time.

While displaced fractures may require successful and timely realignment within one to two weeks of the injury, the nose is likely to return to its normal shape or very close to it.

Complex or comminuted fractures may require more complex surgical intervention to reconstruct the nose, and it may be difficult to completely restore its original shape, but the earlier the fracture is treated, the greater the chances of a good recovery and the return of the nose to its natural shape. 

Is a broken nose dangerous?

Yes, nose fractures can be serious, and the degree of severity depends on the following:

• The extent to which the fracture affects breathing function.
• The presence of blood in the nasal septum is an emergency condition that requires immediate treatment. 
• Risk of infection in case of open fractures.
• Effect of fracture on adjacent structures.
• There is a permanent deformity in the shape of the nose.
• Problems with the sense of smell appear.
• Severe bleeding occurs. 

In conclusion, nasal fractures are among the common injuries that require careful medical attention to ensure optimal recovery and avoid possible complications. Proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment have a decisive role in restoring the normal function of the nose and maintaining its aesthetic appearance.

Al Mousa Specialist Hospital stands out as an advanced medical center that pays special attention to providing comprehensive and integrated care for patients with nasal fractures, thanks to the hospital’s medical staff specializing in ear, nose, throat, and plastic surgery, in addition to the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. 

You can contact us on our numbers listed on the website for more details, reservations and inquiries 

Medical references 

What is nasal trauma – healthharvard

Broken nose (nasal fracture ) –  healthharvard