Nasal Fractures

Nasal fractures are relatively common among the elderly, who are predisposed to them because of age-related thinning of facial bones. Most fractures result from trauma due to a fall. Fractures produce obvious distortion of the bony nasal framework, accompanied by epistaxis.

Treatment by closed reduction usually suffices: After the nose is anesthetized, the bony fragments are elevated and positioned with a small amount of nonobstructive nasal packing for about 1 week (until the fracture has stabilized). During this period, antibiotics are given to prevent sinusitis.