Effects of functional septoplasty on the facial growth of ferrets.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of functional septoplasty on the facial growth of ferrets.


METHODS
Pilot study.


METHODS
Medical center.


METHODS
Nine 4-week-old female ferrets.


METHODS
The ferrets were divided into 3 groups of 3. The first group served as the control group and only had bilateral mucoperichondrial flaps raised. The second group had a 5 x 3-mm piece of septal cartilage removed with preservation of the dorsal and caudal septal struts. The third group had a 4-mm piece of vomer (bone) excised with preservation of all septal cartilage. All groups had the mucoperichondrium preserved. The ferrets grew until 14 weeks of age (well beyond their growth spurt) and were then killed. Lateral cephalograms were then performed and facial analysis conducted to discern any changes in facial growth.


METHODS
Facial growth based on cephalometric analysis.


RESULTS
Analysis of variance testing showed no statistically significant differences in facial growth either within or between the 3 groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Functional septoplasty has no effect on the facial growth of ferrets.
Cupero
T M
TM
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Madigan Army Medical Center, Takoma, Washigton, USA.
Middleton
C E
CE
Silva
A B
AB
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D002508:Cephalometry; D005260:Female; D005289:Ferrets; D008445:Maxillofacial Development / Q000502:physiology*; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000601:surgery*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps