injuries and poisoning
Fractures of the Nose
Treatment of Nose Fractures
Relief of pain and swelling Prompt drainage of septal hematomas Sometimes realignment of fractured bones Applying ice packs (every 2 hours for 15 minutes at a time if possible) for about 2 days, taking pain relievers (such asacetaminophen), and sleeping with the head elevated help limit pain and swelling. Septal hematomas are drained as soon as possible. Blood must be removed to prevent the destruction of the cartilage. The fracture itself can wait. Doctors usually wait 3 to 5 days after an injury for the swelling to go down before they push the broken pieces of bone back into place (called reduction). Waiting makes it easier for doctors to see and feel when the pieces are perfectly aligned. Many nasal fractures do not disrupt alignment and do not have to be reduced. First, doctors give adults a local anesthetic, which numbs the area. Children are given a general anesthetic, which causes temporary unconsciousness. By pressing with their fingers and lifting with an instrument inserted into the nose, doctors manipulate the bones into their normal position. The nose is then stabilized with an external splint. Doctors also may need to insert gauze into the nose (internal packing). Antibiotics are given while the packing is in place to decrease the risk of infection. Nasal bone fractures heal in about 6 weeks. 