Caudal septal deflections (as seen with the patient in Figure 13)
can be specific challenges to septal surgery because they can often
cause persistent nasal obstruction and may require complex septal
reconstructions. 50,51 Simply resecting the caudal septal cartilage
would clearly violate the inverted L-strut that is providing tip and
colu- mellar support. 47 The simplest technique (and often the first
attempt to correct this problem) involves vertically scoring or
incising the caudal septal cartilage on the con- cave side in an attempt
to remove the "spring" memory from that portion of the septum. 1,50
Another method to correct a deviated caudal septum is the "swinging
door" technique, originally described by Metzenbaum. 52 In this
technique, the septum is treated as in a standard septoplasty and then
raised out of its maxil- lary crest groove with an elevator, like a
Cottle. The wedge of cartilage along the maxillary crest is then
excised. At this point, the caudal edge of the cartilage is freed from
the anterior nasal spine and caudal attachments and is now only
attached superiorly. This single attachment then allows the cartilage
to swing into a more midline or straight position, where it can be
secured with a suture to the nasal spine. 47,52 Pastorek and Becker 50
later modified this method and termed it the "doorstop technique."
In
this modification, the cartilage that is dissected out of the
maxillary crest is not resected but is instead flipped to the side of
the nasal spine, opposite the obstruction, and secured with a suture.
In this method, the nasal spine acts as a "doorstop" to prevent the
caudal septum from return- ing to the other side.
An additional way
to straighten the caudal septum is through the placement of an ethmoid
bone splinting graft. As described by Metzinger et al, 51 a straight
piece of the perpendicular plate may be harvested and small holes are
then drilled in the bone with a hand drill.
A Keith needle then secures
the bony splint to the caudal septal cartilage, which may be
straightened first by scoring. It should be noted, however, that the
ethmoid bone, when secured in place at this location, can cause the
caudal septum to thicken. The surgeon should be sure that the
additional piece of bone does not itself cause nasal obstruction when
it is secured. 1
At times, excision and replacement of the caudal
sep- tum may be necessary. An external rhinoplasty approach facilitates
this technique.
Figure 13.
(A, C) This 45-year-old man presented with a caudal septal deflection,
which can be a specific challenge in septal surgery. (B, C) One year
after rhinoplasty with the doorstop technique described by Pastorek and
Becker. 50
The
information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should
consult ENT Specialists before considering treatment and should not rely on the information
above.