What is it about ?
The nose is made up partly of bone and partly of cartilage. The nose bone (clean bone of the nose) is a triangular ossicle that is part of the skull. Cartilage is attached to the bone of the nose and divides the nose in half. In the event of a fractured nose, the bone in the nose is broken and / or displaced. Cartilage in the nose can also be damaged.
Where do we meet them?
Fractures of the nose are common after a blow or shock to the nose, for example after a (road) accident or in contact sports.
How to recognize it?
The main features are pain, swelling, a bleeding and deformity of the nose. The pain and swelling may go away spontaneously and quickly, but a deformity may still be visible. If the septum that separates the two nostrils (nasal septum) has been affected, the nose can sometimes be blocked on one side and it can stay that way.
It is likely to be a fracture if the nose is swollen or dislocated, if there is blood in the nostrils or if the nose crackles when you touch it, like when you make a snowball.
How is the diagnosis made?
Usually, an x-ray of the nose is not necessary. A simple examination is enough to make the diagnosis. The doctor will also inspect the internal parts of the nose using a headlamp and a nasal speculum. Some people naturally have a deviated nasal septum, which can complicate the exam.
What can you do ?
A cold pack on the nose immediately after the injury reduces swelling and can relieve pain.
See a doctor right away if you think you have a broken nose.
Do not play contact sports for about a month after the broken nose.
What can your doctor do?
In the event of fractures and open injuries to the nasal septum, the general practitioner will refer you directly to a specialist. In other cases, he will wait until the swelling is greatly reduced before he can make a reliable diagnosis.
We often try to put the broken parts of the nose back in place (repositioning). It is an intervention that aims to reduce the fracture of the nose. This reduction of the fracture occurs before the swelling sets in or as soon as it has subsided, preferably within 14 days of the trauma. It is always a specialist who must treat a broken nose, usually under local anesthesia. General anesthesia is needed for severe fractures and in children.
Support pads can be inserted inside the nose and left there for several days after repositioning, if necessary.
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