Elastometry - The biomechanical analysis of the lateral nasal wall

'Elastometry' is a novel technique that allows for the quantitative assessment of elastic properties of the nasal tissues, providing valuable insights into the dynamic behavior of the external, soft lateral nasal wall. This study aimed to explore the application of 'elastometry' in understanding the biomechanics of the lateral nasal wall and its implications for nasal function in 'elastometry' measurements. After validation of safety and reliability of this method, we investigated mechanical properties of the lateral nasal wall by 'elastometry' using specifically developed measurement forceps with end pieces including sensors applied on 30 healthy volunteers, aged 18 to 82 without a history of severe trauma or surgery. By measuring normal stress and path length between the end pieces the modulus of elasticity was calculated. Among 360 measurements, the mean value determined for healthy female volunteers was E = 0.135 [N/mm²] and for healthy males E = 0.169 [N/mm²], fitting the range reported in the literature. A tendency of an age-related degree of elastic behavior of the lateral nasal wall was observed, whereby a decrease in elasticity with age in female and a slight increase in elasticity with age in male was detected. Our research showed that 'elastometry' is a cost and time-efficient method to calculate the modulus of elasticity, and could be used in conjunction with 4-phase rhinomanometry (4 PR) to extend diagnostic yield.