I Have a Closed Nasal Fracture and the Dr Did Not Even Examine my Nose or Give Me a Splint - Why?

Question

she was very busy & spent less than 5 mins with me. Now my right eye is almost swelled shut and I have a huge yellow area from road rash under it. Shouldn't she have given me a nasal splint or ointment or something. I almost had to beg for a refill of my 800mg Motrin.

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Good evening. After nasal fractures, the nose and surrounding areas (e.g. eyes) can become REALLY swollen and bruised, as you are describing. Every doctor's practice is different, so I cannot comment on what her specific treatment approach was in your particular case. Based on the imaging, if there is not significant displacement of the nasal bone fragments, it is not unreasonable to treat this non-operatively, without a nasal splint, assuming that the patient is aware they need to avoid repeat trauma and any pressure to the nose, as that might further displace the fragments and necessitate operative intervention. Conversely, application of a nasal splint does not fully prevent displacement of the nasal bone fragments- they are very thin bones and oriented in such a way that if broken, they can easily fall out of their anatomic position. If there are significant functional and/or cosmetic concerns regarding your nose after everything has healed, it is not unreasonable to consider delayed treatment with a functional/cosmetic rhinoplasty operation down the road. Hope this helps! Best, Dr. Donald Groves Plastic Surgeon

I Have a Closed Nasal Fracture and the Dr Did Not Even Examine my Nose or Give Me a Splint - Why?

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I Have a Closed Nasal Fracture and the Dr Did Not Even Examine my Nose or Give Me a Splint - Why?

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