title: Septoplasty in children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Physicians have long had concerns about the potential harmful effects of pediatric septoplasties on the nasoseptal growth process because septal cartilage is important for the growth and development of the face.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this review article, pediatric septoplasty and its indications are discussed, together with a literature survey. In addition, overviews of development of the nasal skeleton from neonate to adult, nasal growth, and cartilaginous septum are presented. Important issues and comments on pediatric septoplasties are provided.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During septoplasty procedures, elevation of the mucoperichondrium unilaterally or bilaterally does not negatively affect growth of the face. Stabilization of the septum may be easier when mucosal elevation is performed unilaterally. The nasal floor mucosa should not be elevated so to avoid damage to the incisive nerves. Corrections and limited excisions may be done from the cartilaginous septum. Separation of the septal cartilage from the perpendicular plate, especially at the dorsal part, should not be performed because this area is important for the length and height of the nasal septum and nasal dorsum. Incisions or excisions should not be performed through the growing and supporting zones, especially at the sphenoethmoid dorsal zone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  If there are severe breathing problems related to the septal deviation, septoplasty should be performed. In the majority of cases, septal surgery may be conducted in 6-year-old children. However, if necessary, septal surgery may be performed in younger children and even at birth.
authors.affiliation: Department for ORL Head and Neck Surgery, Osmangazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Cemal
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cingi
authors.forename: Nuray Bayar
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Muluk
authors.forename: Seckin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ulusoy
authors.forename: Andrey
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lopatin
authors.forename: Ethem
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Şahin
authors.forename: Desiderio
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Passali
authors.forename: Luisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bellussi
authors.forename: Huntürk
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Atilla
authors.forename: Deniz
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hanci
authors.forename: Niyazi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Altıntoprak
authors.forename: Yuri
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Rusetski
authors.forename: Codrut
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sarafoleanu
authors.forename: Ranko
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mladina
authors.forename: Livije
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kalogjera
authors.forename: Claudiu
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Manea
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D055171:Nasal Cartilages / Q000254:growth & development / Q000601:surgery*; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000254:growth & development / Q000601:surgery*; D012225:Rhinoplasty