ABSTRACT
Treatment of nasal fractures was first recorded 5000 years ago during the early Pharonic period in Ancient Egypt. The management of fractures of the nose is an important part of everyday ear, nose and throat (ENT) practice. Nasal fractures have been classified in a number of ways, for example, by the nature of injury, the extent of deformity and the pattern of the fracture. Most fractures result from laterally applied forces. Nasal fractures can also be subdivided into three broad categories that characterize the patterns of damage sustained with increasing force. Class 1 fractures are the result of low-moderate degrees of force and hence the extent of deformity is usually not marked. Class 2 fractures are the result of greater force and are often associated with significant cosmetic deformity. Class 3 fractures are the most severe nasal injuries encountered and usually result from high velocity trauma. The importance of clear and complete records of the clinical examination cannot be overemphasized.
