Anatomical variation of the nasal septum: analysis of 57 cadaver specimens.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine the anatomical variation of the osseous and cartilaginous components of the nasal septum.


METHODS
Fifty-seven cadaver specimens were digitally scanned and analyzed utilizing Bersoft Image software. Anatomical data were statistically analyzed utilizing SPSS 13.0. Evaluation of the area of the osseous/cartilaginous nasal septum as well as an estimation of the available cartilage for grafting was performed.


RESULTS
Septal specimens revealed males had greater variation in cartilaginous area compared to female specimens. The intranasal/extranasal cartilage contributes about 45%/55% of the total cartilage, respectively. The data indicate that the mean area of cartilage available for grafting is around 420 mm(2).


CONCLUSIONS
Significant variability in the cartilaginous elements of the nose is the rule rather than the exception. Key differences exist in the anatomic location of the graft material between males and females. This has important surgical implications given the critical attention required during graft harvesting in order to maintain support of the nose.
Miles
Brett A
BA
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75325, USA. miles911turbo@sbcglobal.net <miles911turbo@sbcglobal.net>
Petrisor
Daniel
D
Kao
Herman
H
Finn
Richard A
RA
Throckmorton
Gaylord S
GS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019412:Anatomy, Cross-Sectional; D002102:Cadaver; D002356:Cartilage / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005004:Ethmoid Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009295:Nasal Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D012984:Software; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting; D014420:Turbinates / Q000033:anatomy & histology