Case Study - Nose Fractures in Sport
October 2026
Nasal fractures are a relatively common injury in contact sports. Thankfully, for athletes, a fractured nose doesn’t necessarily mean an extended period on the sidelines.
Earlier this year, a patient presented to Flex after sustaining a nasal fracture during an AFLW game. X-ray imaging identified a minimally displaced fracture towards the tip of the nasal bone, possibly extending to the anterior margin of the nasal aperture.
So, when can an athlete return to sport—and can a custom thermoplastic face mask help protect the injury when they do?
Nasal Fractures: The How and What?
Nasal fractures generally occur due to either a direct blow from another player, ball, racquet/bat.
Common symptoms can include:
- A nosebleed
- Deformity to nose
- Pain or tenderness
- Nasal/sinus obstruction or difficulty breathing
Assessment by an appropriate medical professional is important following a suspected nasal fracture. Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, further clinical assessment and, where indicated, imaging may be required to determine the extent of the injury and guide appropriate management, including manipulation to realign.
Return to Play: When?
There is no single timeframe for returning to sport following a nasal fracture. The decision should be individualised and will depend on several factors, including:
- The severity and stability of the fracture
- Any associated injuries
- The athlete’s symptoms and functional capacity
- The demands and level of contact involved in their sport
- The risk of further injury
Protecting the Injury: Thermoplastic Face Masks
A thermoplastic face mask is a custom-fitted protective device designed to protect the injured area and reduce the risk of further direct impact.
When clinically appropriate, a well-fitted face mask may support an earlier return to sport while the fracture continues to heal.
While no protective device can eliminate the risk of further injury, a custom face mask can help reduce direct contact to the healing fracture and provide added protection during sporting activity.
Can They Play?
In the case of our AFLW athlete, the fracture was stable and she was experiencing little to no symptoms that were affecting her daily life or her capacity to participate in football.
Following clinical assessment, we fitted her with a custom thermoplastic face mask. This provided protection to the injured area and allowed her to return to football just one week after her injury.
NB: Every injury is different, and the timing of return to play should always be determined on an individual basis in conjunction with the treating medical team.
Why a Custom Face Mask?
Every face and nose is different!
Some have high nasal bones, some very low profile!
To attain the most comfortable and effective protection, a custom-fitted guard is much more likely to sit well and effectively protect the nasal bone from further injury compared to an ‘off-the-shelf’ option.
There may be occasions where an athlete needs to return to the clinic after their mask has been made for additional adjustments. We understand that it can be difficult to know how comfortable a face mask will be until you have had the opportunity to wear it during training and sporting activity, so we are happy to make adjustments as needed to ensure the best possible fit.
Returning to sport after a nasal fracture?
If you've sustained a nasal fracture and are looking for a custom thermoplastic face mask, contact Flex to discuss your injury and protection options.
