Practical aspects on rhinostereometry

Rhinostereometry is an exact optical method used to detect changes in nasal mucosal swelling, where subjects are fixed to a micrometer table by means of a tooth splint, and the nasal mucosa is observed through a surgical microscope. The method is relatively new, used only by a few groups, and needs further specifications for standardised use. In this paper, I discuss the practical use of the method, including pitfalls, from my own experience. Factors like the need to use a tooth splint, the indoor climate, hairs of the vestibulum, psychological influence, anatomical variations, secretion, crusts, subjective interpretation by the observer, and positioning time are important for obtaining consensus recommendations in rhinostereometry studies.