Biomechanics of nasal septal trauma

Fractures of the nasal complex are the most common facial fracture. This is due to the fact that the nose is the most anteriorly projecting facial structure and is a composite structure of bone, cartilage, and soft tissue. Furthermore, the forces required to cause significant injury are less than that causing other facial fractures. Because of the wide range of activities and mishaps that cause nasal trauma, the instruments of injury range from bicycle handles to elbows. The causes, clinical anatomy, and future considerations regarding nasal septal trauma are discussed in this article.