Fractures can be classified as open or closed, depending upon the integrity of the mucosa. Prompt identification and management of the injury in the early postinjury period is imperative to avoid the potential complications of nasal and septal fractures. Surgical intervention may be appropriate in the early postfracture period, or much later, after the fracture has healed. Nasal fractures are the third most common fracture, the second most common being fractures of the clavicle and wrist. Nasal fractures often are cited as the most common type of facial fracture, accounting for approximately half of all facial fractures in several studies.
Falls are the most common presentation in children.
The possibility of child abuse should be considered in every child presenting with nasal fracture. The direction of force to the nose during injury determines the pattern of fracture. Good cosmetic and functional results can be achieved by several methods of reduction and repair. Closed reduction - May be performed under local anesthesia or local anesthesia with mild sedation. Nasal skin has an abundant blood supply and tends to be thinner over the rhinion and thicker over the nasion.