A "Thud" to the Nose from a Bunt... What Is the Nasal Bone Fracture Reduction KIM Do-young Underwent? [Health Talk]

[Financial News] KIM Do-young of the Kia Tigers, who was hit in the nose by a bunted ball during a game on the 9th, was diagnosed with a nasal bone fracture but has confirmed his participation in the Asian Games. Fans are therefore paying close attention to KIM Do-young’s recovery from the nasal fracture.
KIM Do-young is known to have undergone nasal bone fracture reduction on the night of the injury. Nasal bone fracture reduction is a treatment that realigns nasal bones displaced by a fracture to their original position. The nasal bones are among the most prominent parts of the face, making them vulnerable to fractures from relatively strong impacts, such as those from baseballs, airborne batted balls, collisions with other people, or falls. A nasal fracture is not merely a broken bone. If it is accompanied by damage to the nasal septum, it can leave functional problems such as a deviated nose or nasal obstruction, making an accurate diagnosis important.

Kim Mi-jung, a plastic surgery specialist at H+ Yangji Hospital, explained, "For a nasal fracture, the treatment method is determined by comprehensively assessing how far the bone has been displaced, whether there has been any change in the appearance of the nose, and whether the nasal septum has also been damaged. If the fracture is not severe and the bone has not shifted significantly, the patient can be monitored conservatively. However, if deformity occurs, such as a deviated or depressed nasal bone, reduction is necessary to return the fractured bone to its original position."
Diagnosing a nasal fracture involves checking the circumstances of the injury and symptoms such as nasal deformity, nosebleeds, and nasal obstruction. Imaging tests may be performed when necessary. In particular, if a nasal septum fracture or other facial bone injury is suspected, CT scans and other tests can be used to assess the extent of the fracture and associated injuries.
Treatment is broadly divided into observation and fracture reduction. If the fracture is not severe and there are no problems with the shape or function of the nose, the patient may be monitored while using cold compresses and getting adequate rest. On the other hand, if the fractured bone has shifted, causing the nose to become deviated or depressed, or if breathing function is affected, reduction is performed to realign the bone fragments. HIRA materials also list fracture reduction as a treatment for nasal or nasoethmoidal fractures.
After reduction, the nose may be immobilized for a certain period using an external splint or internal support to prevent the nasal bones from moving again. As swelling and bruising gradually subside, patients can return to daily activities. However, they must avoid impacts to the nose until the bones have stabilized. Treatment using external and internal nasal splints to stabilize the fracture site and support the nasal septum is also used after nasal bone fracture reduction.

Athletes such as baseball players, who may be hit in the face again by a ball or batted ball, need to distinguish between returning to normal daily life and returning to competition. A reduction in pain and swelling does not immediately mean that an athlete can safely resume full competition. Exercise intensity should be increased gradually while checking the stability of the fracture site and the function of the nose.
Dr. Kim said, "For athletes, the possibility of another impact must be considered even more carefully during the return process than it is for the general public. It may be helpful to begin with light aerobic exercise and individual training, then gradually increase the intensity to game movements such as defense, base running, and batting. Protective equipment for the nose may also be useful during the early stages of returning to competition."
She continued, "If the nose receives another strong impact before the nasal bones have fully stabilized, the fracture site may become displaced or the nose may become deformed. In particular, professional athletes should not use the disappearance of pain as the standard for returning to play. It is advisable to determine the timing of the return after checking the shape of the nose, breathing function, and stability of the fracture site."
If the nose becomes severely deviated or depressed after a nasal fracture, or if nasal obstruction persists or recurrent nosebleeds occur, patients should not assume it is merely a bruise. They should see a specialist for an accurate evaluation. In particular, a nasal septal hematoma can lead to complications such as infection and a septal perforation if left untreated, so caution is necessary.
[email protected] Medical Specialist Jeong Myeong-jin Reporter