In an adult presenting to the emergency department with blunt midfacial injury, which is the most commonly fractured facial bone?
- A Nasal bone ✓
- B Mandible
- C Zygomatic bone
- D Maxilla
Correct answer: A. Nasal bone
Explanation
The nasal bone is the most commonly fractured facial bone in adults because it is the most prominent and anteriorly projecting part of the facial skeleton, supported only by thin buttresses. The mandible is the second most common and is the most commonly fractured in cases of severe assault. Maxillary and zygomatic fractures require far greater force because of their thicker cortical bone and buttress support.
Reference: Dhingra, Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.