Complete Septal Extension Graft using Porous High-Density Polyethylene Sheet or Septal Cartilage in Unilateral Cleft Lip Nasal Deformities: Photogrammetric Analysis

PURPOSE: Complete septal extension grafts have been widely used in rhinoplasty for effective projection of the short retruded columella in Asian patients. Autologous septal cartilages and porous high-density polyethylene sheets are frequently used as septal extension grafts. This study was conducted to compare the postoperative results of porous polyethylene sheets and septal cartilages used for correction of unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities by using photogrammetric analysis. METHODS: This study investigated a total of 49 patients with cleft lip nasal deformities who underwent corrective surgery, and were followed up for at least 6 months. Septal cartilages were used in 39 patients, and porous polyethylene sheets were used in 10 patients. In all patients, through the open rhinoplasty, complete septal extension grafts were sutured to the caudal margin of the septal cartilage, and the alar cartilage was sutured with suspension. The cleft side alar cartilage was overcorrected by approximately 3 - 5 mm. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated by using photogrammetric analysis. Five indices and 4 angles were measured on their photographs taken before and after the surgery. In patients with unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities, symmetry was also evaluated by means of columellar length index. RESULTS: The postoperative values obtained in photogrammetric analysis showed improvements in comparison with the preoperative ones. The polyethylene group produced more improved outcomes than the septal cartilage group but also resulted in more complications at the same time. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicates that complete septal extension grafts are efficient for the correction of unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities. However, since postoperative complications occur more frequently in the polyethylene group than in the septal cartilage group, caution is advised in using porous high-density polyethylene sheets in patients with cleft lip nasal deformities.

Morphologic Analysis of the Deviated Nasal Septum / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The nasal septum, centrally located in the nasal cavity, has dynamic relations with other craniofacial structures and is also influenced by them during development. Moreover, the mosaic structure of the septum is constituted through ossification. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anatomical characteristics of the deviated nasal septum with preoperative computed tomography (CT) and calculations during surgery. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We studied 62 patients with nasal septal deviation on one side, who underwent septoplasty between July 2008 and February 2009. The area of the septal cartilage, vomer, and perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone was calculated with sagittal imaging using preoperative CT. The angle of deviation was also measured with coronal imaging. The length between the anterior nasal spine and sphenoidal sinus and that of the sphenoidal process was measured during surgery. RESULTS: The deviation angle increased significantly with the length of the sphenoidal process (p<0.01). The area of the septal cartilage decreased with age due to the progression of ossification. CONCLUSION: Nasal septal deviation without a history of trauma is influenced by the progression of nasal septal ossification.