Nose fractures comprise nearly 40 percent of bone injuries in cases of facial trauma. The treatment commences with primary care which involves evaluating the extent of the injury, correctly understanding the cause of the injury, and determining the nasal and facial state before the injury.
A rhinoplasty cosmetic surgeon can provide a suitable treatment for nasal fractures.
There are various types of nasal fractures. These fractures may cause breathing obstructions, and a deformed or crooked nose if left untreated. Fractures can occur at any place in the “bony pyramid” of the nose. This refers to the pyramid-like, bony structure that extends from the face.
The rejoining or resetting of the bones involves different types of osteotomy for different fractures. Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides rhinoplasty to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding locations.
Greenstick Fractures
This fracture occurs along the nasal bone edges. Greenstick fractures often happen in children whose fragile bones are developing and are extremely flexible. For this reason, these kinds of fractures are typically partial rather than fully broken bones.
Saddle Deformity
This is a more serious type of fracture which causes the bridge and septum of the nose to collapse becoming conclave into the face. This leads to a saddle-like shape which is obvious when the face is viewed in profile.
The reasons for this condition include acute facial trauma or disintegration of cartilage due to snorting drugs such as cocaine. To treat these types of cases, the surgeon will source rib bone tissue from a donor or cartilage to restore the septum and bridge.
Comminuted Fracture
This type of fracture occurs when a bone breaks down into three or more fragments. The surgeon will eliminate the extra bone fragments which may lead to severe complications if left untreated. The nasal bones will also be aligned. This condition is standard for severe injuries or in older patients with weakened bones.
Le Fort Fractures
In some cases, serious injury can cause damage to the bones behind the nose (maxillae). The maxillae consist of two bones that form the palate and upper jaw and offer support to the structures of the nose. These fractures are known as Le Fort fractures and are classified into three categories.
Le Fort I fracture happens in a horizontal position causing damage to the jaw and nostril line. Le Fort II fractures lead to damage to the maxillae beneath the sockets of the eyes around the bridge of the nose.
A Le Fort II fracture leads to damage to the bones in a pyramid-like shape. This fracture goes from the nasal bridge to the corners of the mouth in an inverted V-shape. Le Fort III fractures involve damage to the orbital sockets or the bones around the eyes.
Le Fort fractures are a serious condition. They require prompt treatment as they can lead to long-term damage to the brain and the palate. An experienced plastic surgeon can treat these fractures through a rhinoplasty procedure.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:
Serving patients in and around Atlanta, Buckhead, Roswell, Marietta, Georgia and surrounding areas.