Nasal Fracture Reduction

Excerpt

Nasal bone fractures are the most common type of facial fracture, representing 40% to 50% of cases. Nasal fractures are most typically associated with physical altercations, falls, sports injuries, and motor vehicle accidents. Bony nasal trauma may present as an isolated injury or occur in combination with other soft tissue and bony facial injuries. Nasal fractures are twice as common in males as females. The protrusion of the nasal bones out of the facial plane and the structure's central location within the face predisposes the nose to injury. Although isolated nasal fractures are the most common facial fractures, they may be associated with fractures of the zygomatic-orbital-maxillary complex and fractures of the skull base; the astute clinician will bear this fact in mind when assessing a patient.