[Application of ultrasonography in the detection of nasal interdomal fat pad]

To evaluate the application of ultrasonography in the detection of nasal interdomal fat pad (IFP).

Thirty-eight patients who underwent open rhinoplasty and other surgeries in our hospital were enrolled in this study. All patients were studied by ultrasonography to evaluate the shape, structure, size, and location of IFP. The results of ultrasonography were compared with intraoperative findings.

The boundaries between IFP and the subcutaneous fat were clear under ultrasonography in 32 patients (84.2%), but were not clear in 6 patients (15.8%) who had undergone injection rhinoplasty (n=2) or augmentation rhinoplasty (n=4). As shown by ultrasonography,the average length,width,and height of IFP were (11.81∓1.28) mm, (2.49∓0.57) mm, and (1.90∓0.61) mm, respectively,which were not significantly different between male and female patients (P>0.05). In addition, the length, width, and height of IFP were significantly larger in nasorostral hypertrophy group than in normal group (P0.05).

Ultrasonography can accurately evaluate the size and morphology of IFP pre-operatively, and therefore is helpful to ensure the success of rhinoplasty.