The Nasal Bone in New York City: A Comprehensive Guide

The nasal bone is a crucial part of our facial structure. In New York City, various factors are associated with the nasal bone, from the doctors who treat nasal bone - related issues to understanding the anatomy and dealing with nasal fractures. This article aims to provide an in - depth exploration of everything related to the nasal bone in the bustling city of New York.

1. The Best Doctors for Nasal Bone - Related Conditions in New York

Finding a good doctor is essential when dealing with nasal bone issues, especially if it's a broken nose or a fracture. According to Healthgrades, there are 2873 doctors in New York who treat broken noses. Let's take a look at some of the top - rated ones:

Doctor's Name	Rating (out of 5)	Number of Ratings	Location
Dr. Joseph Rousso, MD	5.00	6	310 E 14th St Fl 6 New York, NY 10003
Dr. Oscar Trujillo, MD	4.50	10	880 Third Avenue New York, NY 10022
Dr. Sherif Hassan, MD	4.60	35	75 Orient Way Rutherford, NJ 07070
Dr. Sydney Butts, MD	4.30	6	185 Montague St Fl 5 Brooklyn, NY 11201
Dr. Chaz Stucken, MD	5.00	23	1 Gustave L Levy Pl New York, NY 10029
Dr. Jason Abramowitz, MD	4.90	44	18 E 48th St Fl 2 New York, NY 10017
Dr. Stephen Marra, MD	4.50	14	550 1st Ave Ste 7q New York, NY 10016
Dr. Lee Kaplowitz, MD	5.00	7	4813 9th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11220
Dr. Judy Lee, MD	4.00	8	550 1st Ave New York, NY 10016

These doctors have a proven track record of treating nasal bone fractures and related problems. Patients can rely on their experience and expertise, as reflected by the ratings and the number of past patient reviews.

2. Understanding Nasal Fractures in New York

Nasal fractures are quite common, often resulting from physical trauma, accidents, previous surgeries, congenital conditions, or sports injuries.

Symptoms of Nasal Fractures

- **Pain**: Intense pain around the nasal bones and cartilage is a common symptom. This pain may intensify with touch or movement. - **Swelling and Bruising**: There is significant swelling in the nasal area, and bruising often appears under the eyes, giving the appearance of “black eyes.” - **Breathing Difficulty**: Obstruction of the nasal passages can lead to difficulty breathing. Sometimes, this difficulty persists even after the swelling subsides if there is a deviated septum. - **Nosebleeds**: Persistent nosebleeds or blood - clot formation are also common signs of a nasal fracture. - **Runny Nose**: Watery fluid discharge from the nose may occur. - **Visible Deformity**: A misshapen or crooked nose is a tell - tale sign of a nasal fracture. Different types of deformities can occur, such as an open - roof deformity, a deviated nose (bridge or septum), or a saddle - nose deformity.

Diagnosis of Nasal Fractures

Plain X - rays are not always useful in diagnosing nasal fractures. Often, patients need a CT scan to rule out more serious injuries. Doctors, like Dr. John E. Sherman, will confirm that patients have completed the proper imaging tests to create an effective treatment plan.

Treatment of Nasal Fractures

- **Closed Reduction**: This type of surgery is performed up to 7 days following the nasal fracture. Before the 8th day, the bones still have not fused, and they can be manipulated and pushed back into place using external pressure. It can be performed in the office under local anesthesia and is suitable for simple fractures involving only the bones. However, it does not address alterations to the nasal airway such as a deviated or fractured septum. - **Open Reduction/Internal Fixation**: If the injury occurred more than 8 days ago, this surgery is usually required. After 8 days, the bones have already begun to heal, and in order to correct the deformity, the nasal bones need to be re - broken in a procedure known as an osteotomy. By breaking the nose in a controlled fashion, the nasal structure can be restored to its natural position. - **Subsequent Treatments**: - **Septoplasty**: This surgery corrects a deviated nasal septum, improving nasal airflow and breathing. It can be done at any time and may often be reimbursed through insurance as it is a functional problem. - **Nasal Valve Surgery**: Damage or weakening of the nasal valves due to trauma can be corrected to restore proper nasal function.

3. The Anatomy of the Nasal Bone

Understanding the anatomy of the nasal bone is fundamental to comprehending how it functions and what can go wrong. The nose is made up of several components related to the nasal bone and cartilage: - **Nasal Bones**: There are two bones at the top of the nose. These bones come together to form a pyramid shape at the top 1/3rd of the nose. They sit on top of an extension of the upper jaw bone, called the maxilla, that extends forward away from the face. - **Cartilage**: - **Upper Lateral Cartilages**: These are wing - shaped cartilages extending horizontally across the middle third of the nose and then vertically. They are attached to the bone structure described above. - **Lower Lateral Cartilages**: These are paired ram's - horn - shaped cartilages that are floating in a skin and soft - tissue envelope. They constitute the lower third of the nose, namely the tip of the nose. The inside of the nose has a main internal structure called the septum, which is made up of bone and cartilage covered by a mucous membrane. The septum separates the two nostrils. Also, inside the nose are turbinates, which are small bony, mucosa - lined outgrowths on the sides of each nostril. They act as a filtering device to clean inhaled air before it reaches the lungs.

4. Nasal Fracture Repair in New York City Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgeons in New York City play a vital role in nasal fracture repair. - **Dr. John E. Sherman**: With over 40 years of experience, he has performed thousands of facial fracture operations. He is well - known for his ability to help patients balance their features with customizable procedures based on their unique anatomy. He carefully creates treatment plans after evaluating the patient's medical history and aesthetic goals. - **Dr. Joseph Rousso**: One of the top rhinoplasty and nasal reconstruction surgeons in NYC. He can offer expert nasal fracture repairs, from minor adjustments to complete nose reconstruction, depending on the extent of the damage. His experience as a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in rhinoplasty gives him the skills to handle all levels of broken - nose repairs. - **Dr. Aviva Preminger**: A highly experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon. She can evaluate new nose fractures and recommend the best treatment. If necessary, she can perform nasal fracture repair surgery to ensure the nose heals correctly and achieves the best aesthetic results.

5. Recovery and Follow - Up after Nasal Bone Surgery

Recovery and follow - up care are crucial for optimal healing after nasal bone surgery. - **Pain Management**: Doctors usually prescribe pain medicines to manage the pain after surgery. - **Nasal Splints**: These are used to stabilize the nasal passages and support the healing process. They are typically worn for 6 - 7 days after the procedure. - **Activity Restrictions**: Patients should avoid strenuous activities and nose - blowing during the recovery period. It is recommended to resume normal activities in 10 - 14 days, as long as they do not participate in contact sports or activities that could put pressure on the nose. - **Follow - Up Appointments**: Regular follow - up appointments with the doctor are necessary to monitor the healing process and address any complications that may arise. - **Additional Surgery**: In some cases, for severe fractures or deformities, additional surgery may be needed. For instance, minor touch - ups and revisions can be done several months after the primary surgery to improve aesthetics.

6. Insurance Coverage for Nasal Bone - Related Treatments

Since breaking the nose constitutes a significant compromise to health, nasal fracture treatments are typically covered by insurance, especially if the broken nose has caused a detriment to the ability to breathe and has impacted the quality of life. However, it is important for patients to check with their insurance providers to understand the specific coverage details and requirements.

7. Common Causes of Nasal Bone Injuries in New York

- **Accidents**: New York City is a busy place, and vehicle collisions, workplace mishaps, and household incidents can lead to nasal fractures. For example, a car crash in the city streets or a fall at a construction site can cause damage to the nasal bone. - **Sports Injuries**: Contact sports like football, boxing, and even basketball are popular in New York. Many athletes, both amateur and professional, may suffer nasal bone injuries during games or practices. - **Falls**: With the large population, slips and falls are common. In particular, children and the elderly are more prone to falls, which can result in nose injuries. - **Physical Altercations**: Although less common, fights or assaults can also cause nasal bone fractures and other facial injuries.

8. Tips for Preventing Nasal Bone Injuries

- **Wear Protective Gear**: If you participate in contact sports, wearing a helmet with a face - guard or a nose protector can significantly reduce the risk of nasal bone injuries. - **Be Cautious in High - Risk Areas**: In areas where there is a high risk of falls, such as construction sites or slippery floors, be extra careful. Use handrails and take your time to walk. - **Avoid Physical Fights**: This may seem obvious, but avoiding confrontations can prevent unnecessary injuries to the nasal bone and other parts of the face.

9. The Impact of Nasal Bone Conditions on Quality of Life

Nasal bone conditions can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. - **Breathing Problems**: A deviated septum or a nasal fracture that is not properly treated can lead to long - term breathing difficulties. This can affect sleep quality, cause fatigue, and even impact a person's ability to engage in physical activities. - **Aesthetic Concerns**: A misshapen nose can have a negative impact on a person's self - esteem. It may cause self - consciousness and social anxiety, especially in a city like New York, where appearance can sometimes play a role in social and professional interactions. - **Health Complications**: If left untreated, nasal bone injuries can lead to complications such as septal hematoma, which can cause a septal perforation. This can further impact nasal function and lead to more serious health issues.

10. Research and Advancements in Nasal Bone Treatment in New York

New York is a hub for medical research and innovation. Researchers in the city are constantly exploring new techniques and treatments for nasal bone - related conditions. For example, new materials may be used in nasal reconstruction surgeries to improve the results and reduce the recovery time. Also, advancements in imaging technology are allowing for more accurate diagnosis of nasal fractures and better treatment planning.