Morphologic Analysis of the Deviated Nasal Septum

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesZZThe nasal septum, centrally located in the nasal cavity, has dynamic relations with other craniofacial structures and is also influenced by them during development. Moreover, the mosaic structure of the septum is constituted through ossification. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anatomical characteristics of the deviated nasal septum with preoperative computed tomography (CT) and calculations during surgery. Subjects and MethodZZWe studied 62 patients with nasal septal deviation on one side, who underwent septoplasty between July 2008 and February 2009. The area of the septal cartilage, vomer, and perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone was calculated with sagittal imaging using preoperative CT. The angle of deviation was also measured with coronal imaging. The length between the anterior nasal spine and sphenoidal sinus and that of the sphenoidal process was measured during surgery. ResultsZZThe deviation angle increased significantly with the length of the sphenoidal process (p<0.01). The area of the septal cartilage decreased with age due to the progression of ossification. ConclusionZZNasal septal deviation without a history of trauma is influenced by the progression of nasal septal ossification. Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2010;53:89-93 Key WordsZZNasal septum·Septal nasal cartilage·Bone development.