Nasal Bone Fractures
Nasal fractures are among the most common facial injuries in children resulting from falls, sports injuries or accidents during play. Because children’s noses are still developing and contain more cartilage than adult noses, they can be more flexible but are still prone to injury. Signs of a nasal fracture include swelling, bruising around the nose and eyes, nasal bleeding, tenderness, a crooked or flattened appearance of the nose and difficulty breathing through one or both sides of the nose.
Initial management typically involves controlling bleeding with gentle pressure and using cold compresses to reduce swelling. Elevating the head above the heart helps decrease swelling. Once swelling improves, usually after 3 to 5 days, it becomes easier to assess whether the nose has shifted out of alignment. If a nasal fracture is suspected, especially with a change in appearance or trouble breathing, your child should be evaluated by our specialists at ENT for Kids.
If the fracture has caused the nose to become misaligned, a procedure called closed reduction may be recommended. This involves manually realigning the nasal bones and is often done under local or general anesthesia, depending on the child’s age and level of cooperation. Closed reduction is most effective when performed within 14 days of the injury, before the bones begin to heal in the wrong position. In some cases, a splint may be placed to help maintain the new alignment during healing.
If the injury causes long-term nasal deformity or breathing problems that aren’t corrected with initial treatment, a rhinoplasty (nasal surgery) may be considered later, typically after the nose has finished growing in the mid to late teenage years. This procedure can address both cosmetic concerns and structural issues that affect breathing. Early evaluation helps ensure the best possible outcome for both function and appearance.
If you’re concerned your child may have fractured their nasal bone, please reach out to us to arrange a consultation.