What does a fracture of maxillary spine mean for a nose, aesthetically & functionally?

Question

^Especially regarding the nose tip? Also how does a surgeon fix it and how difficult is it?

Corey S. Maas, MD · Answer

Over 29 years of evaluating and treating nasal injuries, I have not seen an isolated nasal spine injury.  Mostly this would accompany injury to the caudal (lower) nasal septum quite possibly other injuries.  The nasal spine supports this lower portion of the septum and the impact on from and function of the nose would depend upon severity.  If the spine were markedly displaced, this could result in some deviation of the septum from the mid line of the nose and/or some nasal obstruction.  One the other hand, an non-displaced fracture of the nasal spine should heal without any problems.  Tip projection can be affected to some extent also and this should without problems after inspection for septal hematoma.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A fracture of the maxillary spine is usually created  by a deviation of the nasal septum which could be either a bony deviation or cartilaginous deviation. Most likely the columella also become crooked as well. Depending upon the degree of deviation, it could create nasal obstruction.  To fix a deviated septum requires a septoplasty.

Travis T. Tollefson, MD, MPH · Answer

Dear sanfran103thanks for the question, there are two types of maxillary/nasal spine fracturescaused by trauma to the nose (baseball , car accident, fall) surgically created with intention of straightening the middle of the base of the nose (columella) and septumBoth heal without treatment in most casesNumbness of the front teeth and lip are common for months after this type of fractureBest Wishes

Brian Windle, MD (retired) · Answer

By maxillary spine, I assume that you mean a nasal spine
fracture.  The nasal spine is a small
boney part of the nasal cartilage that is seen on x-ray and looks like a small
spine extending form the nasal bones.  It
is frequently broken with trauma and this is seen on a lateral x-ray.  Almost always, after the swelling form the
injury that broke the spine has settled or gone, there is no change in the nasal
shape nor the breathing or functional capabilities of the nose.  Therefore, there is usually little, if any,
consequence to a fractured nasal spine.

If, however, you are having a problems or have any concerns
after the swelling has settled, you should see your primary care provider or a
specialist to see if anything needs to be corrected.

I hope that helps.

Best regards.

What does a fracture of maxillary spine mean for a nose, aesthetically & functionally?

Answers (4)

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