Most Common Fractured Bone in the Face
The nasal bones are the most common fractured bones in the face. 1
Epidemiology and Frequency
- Nasal bone fractures are definitively the most common facial fracture, occurring more frequently than any other facial bone injury 1
- The overall frequency hierarchy of facial fractures, in descending order, is: nasal bones, orbital floor, zygomaticomaxillary complex, maxillary sinuses, and mandibular ramus 1
- Nasal fractures represent the most common bone injury of the adult face, frequently resulting from motor vehicle accidents, sports-related injuries, and altercations 2
Mechanism and Vulnerability
- The nose is the most prominent facial feature, which inherently increases its risk of traumatic injury 2
- Nasal bones are particularly vulnerable to fracture because they are exposed and project anteriorly from the facial skeleton 1
- Motor vehicle collisions and recreational vehicle accidents are more likely to result in fractures of the mandible and nasal bones 1
Clinical Context by Mechanism
While nasal bones are most common overall, the specific mechanism of injury influences fracture patterns:
- In assaults and ballistic trauma specifically, the mandible becomes the most common maxillofacial fracture site 1
- In combat environments, mandible and orbital fractures predominate 1
- Penetrating trauma and assaults are more likely to produce midface and zygomatic fractures 1
Clinical Significance
- Although often initially considered minor, nasal fractures may result in significant cosmetic or functional defects 2
- Posttraumatic nasal deformity requiring subsequent rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty occurs in as many as 50% of cases when poorly addressed 2
- Optimal acute management is critical to minimize secondary nasal deformities 2, 3