Nasal Fractures

Basics

Description

  • Fractures of the nasal skeleton are the most common body fracture
  • Nasal fractures are twice as common in males as in females
  • Most nasal fractures are result of blunt trauma, falls, motor vehicle crashes, sports injuries, and altercations
  • Lateral forces are more likely to cause displacement than straight-on blows
  • Characteristics that suggest associated injuries:
    • History of trauma with significant force
    • Loss of consciousness
    • Findings of facial bone injury
    • Frontal bone crepitus
    • CSF leak

Etiology

  • The vast majority of nasal fractures are from direct trauma
  • Altercations account for most nasal fractures in adults
  • Direct blows, especially sports, account for most nasal fractures in children

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