Nasal fractures in children: influence on the development of the nose

Fifty-seven patients between the ages of zero and 16 years, treated for nasal fractures during childhood by means of closed reduction, have been subjected to follow-up examination after development of the nose has ceased. These patients have been compared to a control group of 50 persons without any known nasal trauma. No difference was found between the two groups with regard to functional complaints, but deviations of the osseous and cartilaginous pyramid, humps and saddle formations, as well as spine formations and deviations of the septum, were particularly prevalent in the fracture group. Crista formation and angulation were found to be equally frequent in both groups. The findings are discussed.