Is It Possible For an Xray of Nose to Show Prior Trauma?

Question

Hi there, I was curious to know if it is possible for me to get an xray taken of my nose and if a doctor is able to see from the results if my nose had been broken in the past (6-8years ago). I know that during my early teen years my nose was hurt multiple times but I feel that as I am a male I can only justify getting my dorsal hump straightened out if it can be proved that my surgery is more "corrective" than improving something that was more likely hereditary. Thanks very much!

Babak Azizzadeh, MD · Answer

It may be, but a CT scan would be more sensitive in finding old fractures so i suggest that.  Good luck!

David A. Bray, Sr., MD · Answer

Nasal bone x-ray are difficult  to interpret because the nasal bones are so small and have natural surture lines tha can mimic fracture lines. However, if the nose is twisted or has a step off fracture, that can be documented

Michael L. Schwartz, MD · Answer

Plain  x-rays of the nose are very unreliable in documenting old trauma. CT scans are sometimes better but in general the history of trauma and the physical exam is the most reliable. Your question implies that you are trying to get some documentation for your insurance to pay for your rhinoplasty. In Florida insurance companies take the position that surgery to correct an external deformity even if due to trauma is not covered unless there is a medical need to correct it (breathing problem?) It doesn't sound like your dorsal hump would qualify. Good luck!

Louis W. Apostolakis, MD · Answer

If you break the bones of your nose they typically heal by what is called fibrous union.  Fibrous unions will be visible on an x-ray, typically for the rest of your life.  This is different from other bones which heal across a fracture with bone and eventually become impossible or nearly impossible to detect.

	The value of this information is dubious however.  A nose that has had a previous fracture needs no treatment if it looks good and breathes well.  A nose that has never had a fracture, but looks bad or can't pass air well does need treatment.  Knowing that the bone has been broken really doesn't change the surgical plan, so I see no point in getting an x-ray.

	If you injured the cartilage of your nose, this will not be visible on an x-ray.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Yes an Xray of the nose will show nasal fractures but will not show evidence of cartilage tears or fractures and since cartilage makes up at least 50% of the nasal structure...an Xray doesn't reveal all nasal trauma.

Is It Possible For an Xray of Nose to Show Prior Trauma?

Answers (6)

Answer: CT scan would be more sensitive in finding old fractures

Answer: CT scan would be more sensitive in finding old fractures

Answer: Trauma

Answer: Trauma

Answer: X rays in nose trauma

Answer: X rays in nose trauma

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Answer: Value of Nasal X-rays

Answer: Value of Nasal X-rays

Answer: Does XRAY show nasal trauma?

Answer: Does XRAY show nasal trauma?

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Is It Possible For an Xray of Nose to Show Prior Trauma?

Answers (6)

Answer: CT scan would be more sensitive in finding old fractures

Answer: CT scan would be more sensitive in finding old fractures

Answer: Trauma

Answer: Trauma

Answer: X rays in nose trauma

Answer: X rays in nose trauma

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Answer: Value of Nasal X-rays

Answer: Value of Nasal X-rays

Answer: Does XRAY show nasal trauma?

Answer: Does XRAY show nasal trauma?

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