Nasal Fracture Surgery Upper West Side, NY

A broken nose, medically referred to as a nasal fracture, occurs when there is a crack or break in the nasal bones, and sometimes in the cartilage that provides structure to the nose. These types of injuries can also involve the nasal septum, the dividing structure between the nostrils, which may result in breathing difficulties, infections, or permanent structural changes such as a saddle nose deformity. Common causes include sports-related trauma, accidental falls, or other forms of impact. Immediate professional assessment and care are essential to avoid worsening the injury or creating lasting complications.
 
The nose is made up of:

• Nasal Bones: The nasal bones are positioned at the very top of the nose and exist as a pair of small, closely aligned bones. When joined together, they form a pyramidal structure that establishes the shape and rigidity of the upper third of the nose. This bony framework plays a critical role in maintaining the nose’s contour, supporting surrounding soft tissue, and contributing to both the functional and aesthetic aspects of nasal anatomy.
• Cartilage: Supporting the middle and lower thirds of the nose is a set of five distinct cartilages that give the nose flexibility and shape. The upper lateral cartilages are located in the midsection, bridging the upper portion with the tip and ensuring smooth structural transitions. The lower lateral cartilages, also known as tip cartilages, create the prominence of the nose and provide the essential support that allows the nasal tip to retain its form. These cartilages collectively allow the nose to function efficiently while preserving its aesthetic harmony.

Any situation in which the cartilage, bones, or structural components of the nose are harmed qualifies as a nasal fracture. This classification applies to both minor and significant injuries alike.

1. Accidents: Everyday accidents, ranging from automobile collisions to incidents in workplaces and homes, are frequent contributors to broken noses. Even impacts that may seem minor can transmit sufficient force to fracture the nasal bones or disrupt cartilage. Early intervention by a medical professional ensures that the injury heals correctly and avoids lasting deformities.
2. Sports Injuries: High-contact and collision sports, including football, boxing, rugby, and mixed martial arts, place participants at increased risk for nasal injuries. Blows to the face, whether accidental or during competitive play, commonly result in nasal fractures, emphasizing the need for protective measures and prompt treatment.
3. Falls: Nasal fractures often occur from accidental falls, whether from elevated surfaces, slips, or loss of balance. Children and the elderly are especially susceptible due to their increased risk of injury. Seeking medical evaluation after such incidents can help prevent complications and ensure proper nasal alignment.
4. Physical Altercations: Altercations, fights, or other forms of physical assault can directly impact the nose, leading to fractures and other facial trauma. Timely medical attention is crucial to assess the severity of the injury and to determine the best course of treatment to restore normal function and appearance.

Many people may have had a broken nose at some point without realizing the extent of the injury. Any event that involved a forceful blow or trauma to the nasal area could have caused a fracture. Sharing all previous nasal injuries with your surgeon is essential to ensure proper evaluation and care.

Symptoms of a broken nose can differ according to the exact area affected. A primary sign is often an obvious alteration in the nose’s structure, involving either the bone, the cartilage, or a combination of these elements. Examples of deformities that may develop following a fracture include:

• Open Roof Deformity: The development of an open roof deformity happens when the upper nasal bones fail to come together correctly after a fracture. This results in an interrupted pyramid shape, leaving noticeable ridges or gaps along the top of the nose. Improper healing following trauma is the primary cause, and if left uncorrected, it may require reconstructive surgery to restore a smooth nasal contour.
• Deviated Nose (Bridge): A nasal bridge deviation occurs when the bones or cartilage shift, causing the nose to lean to one side. Fractures that alter the central alignment of the nose are a common cause, producing a crooked appearance. In addition to cosmetic concerns, this condition may affect airflow and nasal functionality.
• Deviated Nose (Septum): Fractures affecting the septum—the central partition between the nostrils—can lead to displacement, resulting in a deviated septum. Symptoms may include nasal blockage, nosebleeds, and labored breathing, particularly during sleep. The severity of these symptoms depends on the extent of the septal displacement and may necessitate septal surgery.
• Saddle Nose: Saddle nose deformity is characterized by a collapse or sagging of the middle portion of the nose, usually caused by trauma to the septum. This deformity not only alters the aesthetic profile of the nose but may also compromise airflow. Surgical correction is often required to restore proper nasal function and symmetry.

When a nasal fracture occurs, patients often experience discomfort, puffiness, and bruising that affects both the nose and the area beneath the eyes. Frequently observed signs are:

• Nasal Pain: Individuals may experience sharp or persistent pain around the nasal bones and cartilage following injury or surgical intervention. This discomfort often worsens with movement or when pressure is applied and can interfere with daily activities until the tissues gradually heal. Proper pain management and following physician guidance are important for recovery.
• Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising in the nose and surrounding areas, including under the eyes, is a common response to nasal trauma or surgery. These visible changes in skin coloration typically diminish over time, but the initial appearance may be dramatic and require careful post-injury care.
• Breathing Difficulty: Obstruction or damage within the nasal passages can impede airflow, making it difficult for patients to breathe comfortably through their nose. Depending on the extent of blockage, interventions may be required to restore adequate nasal breathing.
• Nosebleeds: Nosebleeds may occur more frequently after trauma or surgical procedures, with blood sometimes clotting within the nasal cavity. Patients are advised to monitor these episodes and follow instructions to minimize further bleeding.
• Runny Nose: A continuous or intermittent watery nasal discharge can develop in response to nasal injury or irritation. While often temporary, this symptom may accompany other post-traumatic effects and should be evaluated if persistent or worsening.
• Nasal Septum Issues: Injuries or displacement of the nasal septum can compromise the wall separating the nostrils, leading to challenges in breathing and potential structural changes. In some instances, these septal problems may require corrective procedures to restore both functionality and nasal symmetry.

When assessing whether a nose may be broken, look for common warning signs like tenderness, puffiness, and visible alterations in nasal structure. Key physical clues that could suggest a fracture are:

• Visible Deformity: Injuries to the nose can result in a noticeable change in its shape, often making it appear crooked, uneven, or otherwise deformed. Such alterations may affect both the cosmetic appearance and structural integrity of the nasal framework.
• Severe Pain: Patients may experience intense or persistent pain concentrated around the bones and cartilage of the nose. The pain often becomes more pronounced when pressure is applied or when the nose is moved, and can last several days depending on the severity of the injury.
• Swelling and Bruising: Following trauma, significant swelling and bruising may develop around the nose and beneath the eyes. The affected areas may be tender to touch and require cold compresses or other treatments to reduce inflammation and support healing.
• Difficulty Breathing: Nasal trauma can obstruct airflow, making inhalation and exhalation through the nose more difficult. Patients may notice congestion, labored breathing, or discomfort, which can interfere with everyday activities and sleep.
• Nosebleeds: Recurrent or prolonged nosebleeds may occur after injury, sometimes leading to clot formation within the nasal passages. Prompt attention and proper care are necessary to control bleeding and prevent infection.
• Discharge: A runny nose, watery fluid, or blood may appear as a result of nasal injury. This discharge is often accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling or discomfort and should be monitored to ensure no complications arise.

Anyone experiencing severe, unrelenting pain that does not respond to over-the-counter painkillers, difficulty breathing through the nasal passages, or visible deformities like a crooked nose should seek medical care right away. Persistent nosebleeds, clear fluid from the nose, and facial trauma accompanied by vision issues or neck discomfort also require immediate attention. For children in the Upper West Side, quick evaluation is essential to prevent long-term problems. MouradMD offers comprehensive nasal fracture care to the Upper West Side patients, focusing on restoring both nasal function and long-term health.

The preferred method for addressing a fractured nose is usually surgery. Surgeons decide on the approach based on the fracture’s age and the severity of the injury. Generally, two primary surgical techniques are employed for treating nasal fractures:

• Closed Reduction: Closed reduction is the preferred method for managing nasal fractures within seven days of the injury, when the nasal bones are still soft enough to be reshaped. A physician can use gentle, precise pressure on the outside of the nose to realign the bones without the need for surgical incisions. Typically performed in a clinic environment under local anesthesia, this procedure is most effective for simple fractures of the nasal bones. However, it does not address complications involving the nasal septum, breathing issues, or more intricate structural abnormalities, which may require further intervention.
• Open Reduction/Internal Fixation: For fractures treated beyond the first week, the nasal bones begin to harden, making simple closed manipulation insufficient. In these cases, an open reduction with internal fixation is often necessary. This procedure involves carefully rebreaking and repositioning the bones, a process called osteotomy, to restore the nose to its proper shape. This surgical method corrects deformities caused by the fracture, ensures proper nasal alignment, and addresses both cosmetic and functional concerns, including airflow and nasal structure integrity.

When a patient undergoes open reduction, it is sometimes necessary to perform supplementary surgeries to correct any complications or follow-up concerns caused by injury to the nasal structures.

• Septoplasty: The primary goal of septoplasty is to correct structural deviations of the nasal septum, the internal wall separating the two nostrils. When the septum is misaligned, airflow can be restricted, resulting in chronic nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, or recurrent sinus issues. Through careful surgical adjustment, septoplasty repositions the cartilage and bone to create unobstructed nasal passages. Patients typically notice easier breathing, improved airflow efficiency, and a reduction in nasal congestion, which can positively impact sleep, exercise, and daily respiratory comfort.
• Nasal Valve Surgery: Surgical intervention for the nasal valves focuses on correcting weaknesses or deformities that may hinder proper airflow. These issues may stem from trauma, previous surgery, or congenital structural variations. By reinforcing or reconstructing the nasal valves, this procedure restores adequate support to the sides of the nasal passages, improving the ease of breathing. Nasal valve surgery not only enhances airflow but also supports the overall function of the nose, reducing symptoms such as chronic congestion, snoring, or breathing difficulty during exertion.

Following nasal fracture surgery at MouradMD, careful recovery and ongoing follow-up care are critical to support optimal healing. This post-surgical care involves managing pain and swelling, utilizing nasal splints to maintain structure, and avoiding activities that could strain the healing nose. The main components of recovery include:

• Pain Management: Use prescribed pain medicines.
• Nasal Splints: Stabilize nasal passages.
• Activity Restrictions: Avoid strenuous activities and nose blowing.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Monitor healing and address complications.
• Additional Surgery: May be needed for severe fractures or deformities.
• Children’s Care: Ensure proper nasal development and function.

Receiving a comprehensive assessment from a qualified medical professional is crucial after sustaining a broken nose. The force that causes a nasal fracture can also result in other serious injuries, including head trauma, brain injury, or fractures to facial structures like the jaw, cheek, orbital bones, or skull. Additional concerns linked to a broken nose may include:

• Septal Hematoma: In cases where a septal hematoma forms, blood accumulates between the cartilage and the soft tissues lining the nasal septum. This collection creates localized swelling and pressure that can impair the structural integrity of the septum. Without timely treatment, the hematoma can lead to serious complications, including infection, necrosis of septal tissue, or the development of a permanent septal perforation. Prompt medical evaluation and drainage are essential to protect nasal function and prevent long-term deformities.
• Deviated Septum: The condition known as a deviated septum arises when the central wall dividing the nasal passages shifts from its intended position. Such deviations may result from congenital factors, injury, or trauma, and they can impede normal airflow through one or both nostrils. A deviated septum often causes chronic nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, increased sinus infections, and even sleep disturbances. Corrective surgery, such as septoplasty, realigns the septum, improving airflow and alleviating many of the associated symptoms.

A broken nose can significantly impact an individual’s well-being, and as a result, medical insurance usually covers the treatment needed to correct it. Coverage is particularly applicable when the fracture causes impaired breathing, which can disrupt daily routines and reduce overall comfort and quality of life.