The caudal septum angle of deflection: an objective analysis for caudal septum deviation

ObjectivesThe 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.Study designA 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.ResultsSeventeen 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.ConclusionWe 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.