What are the signs and symptoms of a broken nose?
The hallmarks of a nasal fracture are:
- pain
- swelling
- an obvious change in the appearance of the nose (newly crooked)
- a palpable "step off" of the nasal bones.
- although it is not always necessary an x-ray of the nose or a CT scan of the face will also show a nasal fracture.
A new nasal fracture can be treated without surgery by a procedure called a closed nasal reduction. A closed nasal reduction treats a nasal fracture by realigning the nasal bones and placing a cast to hold the bones in place as they heal. This can be done up to 3 weeks after a nasal fracture, so it is important to be evaluated by a facial plastic surgeon urgently after nasal trauma.
