Quantification of Bending Tolerance of the Cartilaginous Nasal Septum: Computer-Based Measurements

Abstract

Objective: Nose deformity, including nasal deviation, is conspicuous since it locates in central face area. Regarding this and its prevention, nasal septum is one of the important supporting structures. Understand bending tolerance of the cartilaginous septum not only helps mitigate secondary deformity from surgical intervention, but also provides baseline information for further study regarding the nasal septum.Materials and Methods: Nineteen fresh cadavers were dissected to expose the cartilaginous nasal septum. It was connected with the set-up computer system for detection of electrical signal at 1-mm septal bending from the midline. Mechanical load (bending load) was applied over the dorsal septum to quantify its bending tolerance. The data of bending tolerance and Pearson’s correlation were reported.Results: The mean of septal thicknesses is 1.5 ± 0.4 with the average bending load of 19.0 ± 11.2 g. The majority of the septal thicknesses (15/19; 78.9%) of the dissections are within the range of 1.1 – 2.0 mm with bending load of 18.2 ± 8.9 g on average. There is a moderately positive association between septal thickness and bending load, the Pearson’s correlation coefficient is 0.602 (95%CI from 0.204 to 0.830) with p-value of 0.006.Conclusion: The overall nasal septum and the septum with thickness between 1.1 – 2 mm are able to tolerate loading over distal part of caudal septum about 19.0 and 18.2 g, respectively. Septal thickness shows moderately positive correlation with bending load.