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Fracture, Nasal, Sports Medicine

Brandon M. Bockewitz, MD, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

EPIDEMIOLOGY

  • Most frequently injured and fractured facial structure due to its prominence:

    • Third most commonly fractured structure of the skeleton

  • Most fractures occur in the lower half of the nas...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Force: Low-velocity trauma, such as a blow from an elbow, usually causes a simple fracture pattern. High-velocity trauma from a stick or fast-moving ball/puck more likely causes a com...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Head-up position; lean forward to aid expectoration of blood.

  • Direct pressure, ice

  • Topical decongestant

  • Cautery of visible bleeding sites in Kiesselbach plexus using silver nitr...

ONGOING CARE

  • Generally, nasal fractures should be managed within 2 to 3 wk after injury, and manipulation should occur within 10 days for adults and 7 days for children 4[B].

  • Closed reduction 5[B]:

    • Idea...

REFERENCES

1
Nigam A, Goni A, Benjamin A, et al. The value of radiographs in the management of the fractured nose. Arch Emerg Med.  1993;10(4):293–297.
2
Dogan S, Kalafat UM, Yüksel B, et al. Use of...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Procacci P, Ferrari F, Bettini G, et al. Soccer-related facial fractures: postoperative management with facial protective shields. J Craniofac Surg.  2009;20(1):15–20.

  • Rubinstei...

CLINICAL PEARLS

Return to play following a nasal fracture: 
  • It can take 6 wk for a nasal fracture to completely heal. An athlete should be advised that returning to competition before complete healing ...

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