Nasal Bone

Nasal bone fractures are the most commonly found and also the most commonly missed facial fracture. They frequently occur in caudal portions of the nasal bones since they are weaker. Fractures of the nasal bone can be transverse or longitudinal. Displacement depends on whether the force was frontal or lateral. CT is a significantly more useful adjuvant to the physical exam for assessment of nasal bone fractures in comparison to lateral plain radiographs. Plain radiographs often yield false positives for transverse fractures from the longitudinal nasomaxillary suture and groove for the nasociliary nerve. Septal deviation and fracture should prompt assessment for a septal hematoma, which can result in cartilage necrosis and saddle nose deformity. Uncomplicated nasal bone fractures have clinical relevance since they can lead to poor cosmesis.