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Nose Fracture

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Nose Fracture

(Broken Nose)

Definition

A nose fracture is a break in the bones of the nose.

Facial Bones.

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

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Causes

A nose fracture is caused by a blunt, hard blow to the nose.

Risk Factors

Things that may raise your risk of this injury are:

  • Health problems that may cause falls, such as seizure disorder
  • Playing contact sports
  • Not wearing a seatbelt

Symptoms

A nose fracture may cause:

  • Pain in the bridge of the nose
  • Swelling of the nose and face
  • Bleeding
  • Bruising
  • Black eyes
  • Problems breathing

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. The doctor will also ask how the injury happened. An exam will be done that focuses on your nose and face.

Images of your nose may be taken to guide treatment. This can be done with:

Treatment

It can take 3 weeks for a broken nose to heal. More severe fractures may take longer to heal. The goals of treatment are to manage pain and support the bone as it heals. Options may be:

  • Medicine to ease swelling and pain
  • Splint, tape, and gauze to keep the bone in place it heals
  • Exercises to help with muscle strength and range of motion will be needed.

Prevention

Most fractures are due to accidents. To lower the risk:

  • Wear protective headgear with face masks when playing contact sports or riding a bicycle or motorcycle.
  • Wear a seat belt when you are in a motor vehicle.
RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Al-Moraissi EA, Ellis E 3rd. Local versus general anesthesia for the management of nasal bone fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2015 Apr;73(4):606-615.
  • Fractures of the nose. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/facial-trauma/fractures-of-the-nose.
  • Isolated nasal bone fracture—emergency management. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/isolated-nasal-bone-fracture-emergency-management#GUID-DE968AD5-9249-415E-A4AD-6A09FAE16954.
  • Nasal fractures. American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery website. Available at: http://www.entnet.org/content/nasal-fractures.

Contributors

  • Mark Arredondo, MD
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.