What’s the nasal bone?

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The nasal bone is actually two small bones that are oblong in shape and located next to each other in the upper central part of the face. When someone talks about the “bridge” of the nose, it is these bones they are referring to. The nasal bones vary greatly in size and shape, making noses appear different in individuals. Unlike bones such as those that form the rib cage that function to protect the internal organs of the chest cavity, the nasal bone exists primarily to shape the nasal airways. In young children, these bones are quite flexible, but they are hardened in older children and adults.

The nasal bone is the most frequently fractured bone in the face because it absorbs most of the blows inflicted on this part of the body. Fractures of the nasal bones are more common in adults and older children because the nasal bones are hardened. In children still young enough to have flexible nasal bones, a partial fracture can occur if struck in the face with considerable force.

Many people might assume that because the nasal bone doesn’t protect any vital internal organs, there is no threat to life from a broken nose. This is usually true, but the lining of the nasal cavity is very delicate and significant injury to the face can cause profuse bleeding. People who are in weakened health or suffer from haemophilia may be at risk.

If a blow to the face is strong enough to cause any sort of fracture to the nasal bone, there should be suspicion of possible injury to other facial bones such as those in the cheeks or eye sockets. There is also the possibility of a skull injury, which would require immediate medical attention. A doctor might order X-rays and a computed tomography (CT) scan to detect any head injuries that could be affecting the brain.

In case only the nasal bone is fractured, there are two important things that need to be taken into consideration. If the bone was fractured by a lateral blow to the face, the nose could be displaced, resulting in a slight but very visible and permanent deformity. A strong frontal impact with the face can forcefully push the nose up, resulting in a wider bridge; this too could be a permanent deformity. It is important that people who experience a fracture of the nasal bone receive a medical examination not only to check for other injuries, but also to see if the nasal bones need to be adjusted to preserve the patient’s physical appearance.

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