Facial growth after middle turbinate resection: an experimental study in the rabbit.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of total middle turbinate resection on midfacial growth through a morphometric analysis on an animal model.


METHODS
Twenty-eight male New Zealand white rabbits were used. The animals were divided into three groups: group 1, elevation and relocation of the nasal bone was performed; group 2, concha resection was performed; group 3, control group with no surgical procedure. The surgery was done at 8-10 weeks of age and the skull of each subject was sampled as they reached maturity. The determined distances then were measured by using landmarks identified on skull. The supplied data were evaluated by using the Mann-Whitney U test.


RESULTS
Deviation of the nasal axis to the opposite side of the resected concha and an increase in the width of nasal bone were observed only in group 2. In group 1, an increase of nasal bone length and zygomaticonasal distances was determined in both the operated and the unoperated sides of nasal bones.


CONCLUSIONS
This animal experiment showed that operations on the nasal bone or concha resection affected the midfacial growth in rabbits. The effects of middle turbinate resection to midfacial development should be evaluated by additional studies. We recommend only limited, conservative surgical procedures on the middle turbinate, saving all the vital mucosa, periosteum, and bone.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey.
Murat
M
Egrilmez
Cemil
C
Mutlu
H Halis
HH
Unlu
Onur
O
Celik
D000818:Animals; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D009295:Nasal Bone / Q000254:growth & development; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D009667:Nose Deformities, Acquired / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011817:Rabbits; D014420:Turbinates / Q000254:growth & development / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*