Pediatric Nasal Fractures

The nose is frequently injured, given that it projects from the face. After any significant nasal trauma, a thorough nasal exam is required to ensure that a septal hematoma in need of drainage does not exist. A hematoma of the septum, like of the ear, can lead to disfigurement. Assuming that no hematoma exists, then repair is only required if the fracture causes a cosmetic deformity of the nose or if a septal deviation is causing nasal obstruction. If there is a cosmetic deformity (crooked nose), then the septum is frequently involved, but the septum does not always need to be addressed, especially in children. There is an approximate two week window to repair such an injury. If it is not addressed in a timely fashion, the crooked nose and septum can always be addressed later, but the procedure is bigger and would involve re-breaking the nose. Dr. Tamez has extensive experience in repairing broken noses.

Possible Treatments

• Closed Reduction Nasal fracture (no septoplasty performed)
• Open Reduction Nasal Fracture (septoplasty performed)
• Denver Splint
• Doyle Splint

Fact Sheets

• Nasal Fractures