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.
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
Reference: www.rhinoplastyarchive.com/
