Management of nasal fractures

The nasal bones are the most commonly fractured bones in the body. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate surgical intervention are key in the management of nasal fractures. While these injuries are not life-threatening, mismanag ement of nasal fractures can lead to both aesthetic and functional deformit ies. A thorough history and careful physical examination are adequate for t he diagnosis of nasal fractures. Literature in the field does not support t he use of x-ray films to aid in the diagnosis. The majority of injuries are seen after significant edema becomes present and cannot be accurately redu ced at that time. Therefore, with the exception of grossly displaced fractu res, open fractures, and septal hematomas, most nasal fractures should be d efinitively treated after 3 to 10 days once swelling has resolved. This art icle will review pertinent nasal anatomic structure, pathophysiological cha racteristics of nasal fractures, diagnostic techniques, treatment modalitie s, and common controversies associated with nasal fractures.