A Cephalometric Study of Nasal Growth Before and After Adenoidectomy

Abstract

More and more referrals are being made to otolaryngologists from orthodontists. Cephalometric studies performed by orthodontists can show nasopharyngeal narrowing, which may be associated with abnormal facial growth. Lawrence Marentette, MD, Minneapolis, has studied the cephalometric tracings from patients prior to and several years after adenoidectomy. At the spring meeting of the American Rhinologic Society in Palm Beach, Fla, Dr Marentette presented results that showed definite postoperative changes in facial anatomy toward more normal values. The specific areas of change included the degree of facial convexity, facial length, and angles of the palatal and mandibular planes. Much more research is needed in the area of facial growth and the effects of adenoidectomy and other head and neck surgery on it. Cephalometry offers an excellent, standardized method for these stud