Caudal Septal Deviation: A Computed Tomography-Based Evaluation Method

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Otorhinolaryngology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Caudal septal deviation (CSD) correction during septorhinoplasty presents surgical challenges.
• Existing evaluation methods for CSD treatment are often subjective and controversial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce an objective evaluation method using computed tomography (CT) images.
• To measure the effectiveness of septorhinoplasty in treating CSD.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of preoperative and postoperative CT images from 20 patients.
• Utilized OsiriX Lite software to calculate CSD as the distance between the septum midline and palatal plane.
• Categorized septal deformations as C-shaped or S-shaped.

Main Results:

• A median reduction in deviation from 3.01 mm to 1.6 mm was observed post-surgery (P < 0.05).
• The proportion of S-shaped deviations increased postoperatively, suggesting improved straightening.
• The CT analysis method was efficient, with a mean analysis time of 7 ± 2.1 minutes.

Conclusions:

• CT imaging provides an objective and effective method for evaluating surgical outcomes in CSD correction.
• This quantitative approach allows for clearer stratification of surgical results.
• Further studies are warranted to validate this objective evaluation technique.