Nose fracture
Definition
A nose fracture is a break in the bone or cartilage over the bridge, in the sidewall, or septum (line dividing the nostrils) of the nose.
Alternative Names
Fracture of the nose; Broken noseConsiderations
A fractured nose is the most common fracture of the face. It usually occurs after an injury and often occurs with other facial fractures.
Sometimes, as a result of a blunt injury, the wall dividing the nostrils (septum) can separate.
Nose injuries and neck injuries are often seen together because a blow that is forceful enough to injure the nose may be hard enough to injure the neck.
Serious nose injuries cause problems that require a doctor's attention right away. However, for minor nose injuries, the doctor may prefer to see the patient within the first week after the injury if the nose may have become deformed.
Occasionally, surgery may be needed to correct a deformity of the nose or septum caused by a trauma.
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