Incorrect terminology in nasal anatomy and surgery, suggestions for improvement

Area of Science:

• Rhinology
• Surgical Anatomy
• Medical Terminology

Background:

• Current nasal surgical nomenclature includes terms that lack anatomical accuracy and clarity.
• Established terms such as 'upper lateral cartilage', 'lower lateral cartilage', 'weak triangle', 'empty triangle', 'soft triangle', 'hemitransfixion', and 'marginal incision' are widely used but considered problematic.
• The existing division of the nasal organ into five anatomical areas and three physiological parts is also subject to debate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate and propose the abandonment of imprecise and potentially misleading terms in nasal surgery.
• To introduce anatomically, linguistically, and surgically correct terminology for nasal structures and surgical approaches.
• To challenge the conventional anatomical and physiological divisions of the nasal organ.

Main Methods:

• Review and analysis of existing nasal surgical terminology.
• Histological evidence review regarding the existence of specific nasal ligaments.
• Comparative analysis of current versus proposed terminology based on anatomical and surgical principles.

Main Results:

• Several commonly used terms, including 'weak triangle', 'empty triangle', 'soft triangle', 'hemitransfixion', and 'marginal incision', should be discarded.
• Histological studies confirm the non-existence of structures referred to as 'interdomal ligament', 'intercrural ligament', and 'septocrural ligament'.
• Proposed alternative terminology offers greater anatomical precision and surgical clarity.

Conclusions:

• The adoption of precise anatomical terminology is crucial for advancing rhinology and ensuring surgical accuracy.
• Outdated and inaccurate terms in nasal surgery hinder effective communication and potentially lead to misunderstandings.
• Revised nomenclature based on scientific evidence will improve surgical education and patient care.