Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Endoscopic Septoplasty with Limited Two-line Resection: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Septal Deviation
Published on: June 20, 2018
Septopalatal protraction for correction of nasal septal deformity in cleft palate infants
Corey C Moore1, Ian MacDonald, Ralph Latham
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. cmoore22@uwo.ca
Insights
Septopalatal protraction effectively straightened nasal septal deviation in infants with unilateral cleft palate. This safe and easy newborn intervention improved nasal airflow and relieved related issues.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Congenital Malformations
Background:
- Unilateral cleft palate often leads to nasal septal deviation and airflow obstruction.
- Early intervention is crucial for managing sequelae of congenital nasal deformities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of septopalatal protraction in correcting nasal septal deviation in infants with unilateral cleft palate.
- To assess the impact of this intervention on nasal airflow obstruction.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study comparing infants with unilateral cleft palate undergoing septopalatal protraction (n=4) versus a control group (n=5).
- Nasal septal deviation was quantitatively measured using computed tomography scans and dental molds.
- Protraction was applied for 6 to 8 weeks.
Main Results:
- The protraction group showed complete nasal septal straightening.
- The nonprotraction group exhibited worsening septal deviation over 8 weeks.
- Statistically significant differences in septal angle deviation were observed between groups (P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Septopalatal protraction is a practical, safe, and effective method for correcting nasal septal deviation in newborns with unilateral cleft palate.
- This technique offers a promising solution for improving nasal function and associated complications.
Objective:
It is proposed to test the practicality of septopalatal protraction in the unilateral cleft palate infant for purposes of straightening the nasal septum and thus relieving nasal airflow obstruction and its detrimental sequelae.
Methods:
Alternate infants affected with complete unilateral palatal clefts had septopalatal protraction for a period of 6 to 8 weeks (protraction group; n = 4). Septal deviation was measured by a standardized technique that used computed tomography scans. The remaining infants had no protraction and served as controls (nonprotraction group; n = 5). Septal deviation was measured in the nonprotraction group from palatoseptal dental molds.
Results:
A total of 9 patients were studied. All patients in the nonprotraction group had worsening of nasal septal deviation over a period of 8 weeks compared with the protraction group, which had complete nasal septal straightening. Differences in septal angle deviation between the protraction group and nonprotraction group at the end of the study were statistically significant (P < or = 0.01) as measured by the paired Student t test.
Conclusions:
Septopalatal protraction in the newborn appears to provide a means for correcting nasal septal deviation in complete unilateral cleft palate infants. Septopalatal protraction in the newborn is relatively easy and safe.
Related Concept Videos
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management

