What is the difference between deviated septum and a broken nose?

Question

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question.The septum is the structure that divides your nostrils into two distinct cavities.  The cartilage in the septum can sometimes not be straight, in which case it "deviates" to one side or the other, potentially causing breathing problems.A broken nose most commonly refers to the nasal bones toward the top of the nose.You can have either a broken nose, a deviated septum, or both in the case of trauma to the nose.If you have having issues with your nose, I recommend visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon or ENT for an evaluation, and a discussion of your options.  Best of luck!

Ashley B. Robey, MD · Answer

The nasal bones are at the top portion of you nose; they will look broken if they have been fractured and displaced to one side or another. Often this is very apparent because the external nose will look crooked. The septum is the partition that supports the midline of the nose and separates the right and left sides. The nasal septum is cartilage in the front and bone further back in the nose. If the septum is deviated, that means it is no longer sitting in the midline of the nose, some part of it is off to one side or another. If the deviation is significant, the septum can partially or totally block the nasal airway. Both of these abnormalities can be addressed with a septorhinoplasty.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. A "broken nose" is a general term implying an injury to the nose and it's internal structures that includes a fracture of the nasal bones. The septum is the cartilage (in the front) and bone (deeper inside) that divides the nose into left and right parts. This can be "deviated" in many different ways -- crooked, twisted, bent, broken -- which results in blockage of the air flow through the nose. Some nasal injuries will result in both a deviated septum and broken nose.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

A deviated septum is a curve in the midline cartilage called the septum which can lead to blockage in the airway.  A broken nose is a break in the nasal bone (most commonly) which are the two bones on the side of the nose adjacent to the eyes.  This can also lead to airway obstruction.  Best of luck.  Dr. Michael Omidi.An in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess your needs and provide true medical advice.

Shaun C. Desai, MD, FACS · Answer

A deviated septum implies the nasal septum (made of cartilage and bone and divides the nasal passageway into left and right airways) is crooked and can cause nasal airway obstruction of one or both sides of the nose. A broken nose implies there is a fracture to the two nasal bones which are the top 1/3 of your nose or the "bony dorsum." A nasal fracture can be associated with a deviated septum and vice versa or they can occur separately. I hope this helps.

What is the difference between deviated septum and a broken nose?

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Answer: Deviated septum vs broken nose

Answer: Deviated septum vs broken nose

Answer: Deviated septum, broken nose, nasal valve, nasal deformity

Answer: Deviated septum, broken nose, nasal valve, nasal deformity

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What is the difference between deviated septum and a broken nose?

Answers (8)

Answer: Deviated septum vs broken nose

Answer: Deviated septum vs broken nose

Answer: Deviated septum, broken nose, nasal valve, nasal deformity

Answer: Deviated septum, broken nose, nasal valve, nasal deformity

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.