Correlation of Upper Lateral Cartilage Collapse and Nasal Septal Deviation

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Rhinology
• Anatomy

Background:

• Nasal septal deviation (NSD) is a common condition affecting nasal airflow.
• Upper lateral cartilage (ULC) collapse can contribute to nasal obstruction.
• The relationship between NSD and ULC collapse requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between nasal septal deviation (NSD) and upper lateral cartilage (ULC) collapse.
• To quantify the degree of ULC collapse in relation to NSD severity and patient age.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 142 paranasal sinus CT scans from patients who underwent septoplasty for NSD.
• Measurement of the ULC angle on both narrow and wide sides of the nasal cavity.
• Statistical analysis to compare ULC angles between sides, age groups, and correlate with NSD severity.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant difference in ULC angle was observed between the narrow (13.4°±2.7°) and wide (14.3°±2.7°) sides (p<0.001).
• Patients under 50 years old showed a significantly greater difference in ULC angles between sides (1.1°±2.2°) compared to older patients (0.3°±3.8°, p=0.014).
• A significant positive correlation was found between the degree of ULC collapse and the severity of septal deviation (r=0.214, p=0.01).

Conclusions:

• Nasal septal deviation (NSD) is associated with upper lateral cartilage (ULC) collapse, especially on the nasal cavity's narrow side.
• This collapse may contribute to a narrowed internal nasal valve area.
• Clinicians should consider evaluating for concomitant ULC collapse in patients diagnosed with NSD.