Nasal Fractures – Broken Nose Surgery in Seattle

BROKEN NOSE AND NASAL FRACTURES

A nasal fracture can occur with blunt force trauma to the nose such as in a sporting accident. A fracture can occur from a blow to the side or top of the nose causing both of the nasal bones to be twisted and crooked. This type of trauma often leads to a condition where the nasal cartilage separates or is damaged—also known as “cartilage separation in nose.” When the upper lateral cartilage of the nasal bones is fractured, it creates a twist in the lower portion of the nose between the tip and nasal bones. Damage to the upper lateral cartilages can cause valve collapse and vestibular stenosis, impeding a patient’s ability to breathe properly. To restore proper breathing, cartilaginous spreader grafts are placed to bolster the upper lateral cartilages outward. Patients often search for solutions on “how do you fix cartilage damage in your nose,” and spreader grafts are one of the most effective methods.

ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS WITH BROKEN NOSE

Often times when a nose is broken severely the internal septum is also fractured. When the septum is fractured, it is also known as a deviated septum. In fact, many patients ask “does a broken nose cause a deviated septum?”—and the answer is yes, frequently. The shaded area in red shows where the deviated septum (bone and cartilage) is removed from to improve airflow. In some cases, trauma may also lead to the development of a nasal bone spur, which can further obstruct the airway. This is commonly referred to as a “nasal bone spur deviated septum.” To correct these issues, the fracture must be reduced through a procedure referred to as an Open Reduction Nasal and Septal Fracture. All of the multiple fragments of bone are put back into realignment along the nasal bridge to repair the nose back to its pre-injury state. Realignment of the nasal bones is done with osteotomies and resetting of the nasal bones with a cast placed over the bridge of the nose for one week. No packing is placed inside the nose after the surgery.

BREATHING SURGERY – DEVIATED SEPTUM

Deviated septum arises from a congenital outgrowth of both bone and cartilage in which it impacts the airway of the nose. Fracturing the septum and nose can displace the septal cartilage and/or bone over into the airway creating a deviated septum and a bone spur or a shelf, which impedes breathing. In fact, some patients wonder “does noses have bones?”—yes, the nasal structure consists of both bone and cartilage, which can be fractured or displaced due to injury. A septoplasty is performed to improve airflow through the nose and straighten out the airway passages. Sometimes submucous resection of the inferior turbinates is also performed simultaneously to improve the airflow dynamics through the nose as well.

Normal Anatomy