Can you break or crack your nose cartilage?

Question

Around 3 weeks ago I got elbowed in the nose it clicked and was bruised for 3 days it was slightly bent to the right however it still hurts when I touch the left side of my nose and I can feel a crack, when the impact happend it didn’t bleed but it has made me not remember much from that day it gave me a headache and my whole nose was red. Is there any point still going to a surgery?

Jeffrey LaGrasso, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! An impact to your nose is the most common cause of a nasal fracture. Your doctor can usually diagnose a broken nose by performing a physical examination. Since this will include touching your face and nose, your doctor may apply a local anesthetic to numb your nose before examination. I recommend consulting with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Septal cartilage fractures are possible and usually associated with less bleeding or bruising. The immediate point to be careful about is a septal haematoma as it may require evacuation to avoid damaging the septal cartilage further. This is the main value of a visit to an emergency department straight after the injury. 
It is normal for the bridge to be sensitive for a little while after the injury and it can reflect also a small fracture with or without displacement over the nasal bridge.
Ultimately, the pain and tenderness will settle and the reason for surgery would need to be to manage problems related to breathing or external shape, or a combination of the two.

Adam D. Stein, MD · Answer

Yes. It is very possible to "fracture" the cartilage of the nose. Surgery is typically indicated if there is either a cosmetic deformity (ie. a change to the external appearance of your nose) or a functional issue such as difficulty breathing.  As swelling from a nasal injury can obscure the actual deformity if present or make breathing worse, it is often important to wait a period of time to evaluate whether there is indeed something that needs correction.  You should have your nose looked at by surgeon experienced at performing nasal surgery. Good luck.

Edward Buckingham, MD · Answer

You can absolutely injure or fracture the cartilage in your nose.  Common areas include your upper lateral cartilage or septal cartilage.  Typically, surgery is recommended if there is a persistent cosmetic deformity, nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing or other symptoms that would warrant correction.  A thorough evaluation by a plastic surgeon or otolaryngologist would help determine what procedure would be best suited for you, if any.

Alexander M. Sailon, MD · Answer

Hi Sophie,
Nasal trauma can disarticulate or knock the cartilage out of its normal place. It is also common for the nasal bones, which make up the top third of the nose, to be fractured. This type of injury usually accompanies some nasal bleeding, however. Examination with a qualified plastic surgeon is paramount to see if surgery is needed. Best of luck!

Can you break or crack your nose cartilage?

Answers (10)

Answer: Cartilage Fracture

Answer: Cartilage Fracture

Answer: Nasal trauma

Answer: Nasal trauma

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Can you break or crack your nose cartilage?

Answers (10)

Answer: Cartilage Fracture

Answer: Cartilage Fracture

Answer: Nasal trauma

Answer: Nasal trauma

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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