The caudal septum angle of deflection: an objective analysis for caudal septum deviation.
OBJECTIVE
The purposes of the study were to describe an objective technique for the evaluation of caudal septum deviation (CSD) and to evaluate the effectiveness of an open septorhinoplasty technique for treatment of CSD.


METHODS
A retrospective review of septorhinoplasty cases involving CSD was performed. For all patients, preoperative basal view photographs were analyzed. All patients underwent an external septorhinoplasty approach for treatment of their CSD. After a minimum of 4 months, postoperative basal view photographs were analyzed.


RESULTS
Seventeen patients had significant CSD and airway obstruction. The mean change in their caudal septum angle of deflection was 22° (P < .05). All patients had subjective improvement in their nasal airway obstruction. There were no complications.


CONCLUSIONS
We describe a method to objectively analyze CSDs in septorhinoplasty candidates. An external approach using nasal base reconstruction techniques results in an improvement of CSD and subsequent nasal airway patency.
Maturo
Stephen
S
Department of Otolaryngology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB, TX 78236, USA. stephen.maturo@sbcglobal.net
Lopez
Manuel A
MA
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055171:Nasal Cartilages / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D009667:Nose Deformities, Acquired / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult