Orbital fracture:
The orbit is another word for eye socket. Orbital fractures can be isolated or occur with more extensive facial injury. These fractures are often a result of direct trauma from the front such as trauma from a fist or a ball. Common symptoms include the following, swelling and bruising around the eye, visual blurriness or seeing double, numbness of the cheek just below the affected eye, and sunken appearance to the eyeball.
Not all orbital fractures need surgical intervention. Your surgeon is more likely to recommend surgery if your vision is compromised or the eyeball has sagged into the socket causing a sunken appearance. Sometimes these symptoms are not immediately seen because of swelling. It is not uncommon to wait a few days for the swelling to go down and then re-evaluate for proper intervention. Repairs usually take place approximately 1-2 weeks after the injury because of this. Once the fracture is reduced, or shifted back into its normal position as best as possible, and the broken bones are often supported with a splint.
Nasal fracture:
Broken noses are very common. They can occur from relatively minor trauma or blunt force. You will experience pain, swelling, a nose bleed is common, and bruises around the eyes. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience this type of injury. A septal hematoma should be ruled out. This is a blood collection that if not removed and drained immediately can cause further complications in the nose.
You should be seen within one to two weeks so treatment can be planned accordingly. In some cases is may be possible to repair your nose immediately without having to wait for the swelling to reduce. If left untreated, a broken nose can leave you with an undesirable appearance as well as permanent difficulty in trying to breathe.