Correlation of maximal nasal septal deviation with deviation at the maxillary insertion

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Anatomy
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Nasal septum deviation is a common condition.
• The relationship between deviation at specific anatomical landmarks and overall deviation is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate septal deviation at the cribriform plate (CP) and maxillary crest (MC) using CT scans.
• To determine the correlation between these specific deviations and overall septal deviation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 70 consecutive CT sinus scans (January 2020 - December 2021).
• Exclusion of patients with history of trauma or prior nasal surgery.
• Measurement of septal deviation angles at the CP, MC, and maximal septal deviation (MSD).

Main Results:

• Mean MSD was 8.14°.
• Mean septal deviation was 0.89° at the CP and 2.02° at the MC.
• A positive correlation was found between deviation at the MC and MSD (r=0.321), but not at the CP (r=0.025).

Conclusions:

• Septal deviation at the maxillary crest (floor of the nose) is associated with overall septal deviation.
• Septal deviation at the cribriform plate (roof of the nose) shows no significant correlation with overall deviation.
• Developmental factors, such as differential ossification and fixation, may explain these findings.