The correlation between permanent septal deformities and nasal trauma during birth

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Obstetrics
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Infant head positioning during birth can lead to nasal deformities.
• The severity of birth trauma correlates with the extent of nasal deformation.
• Nasal obstruction is a potential complication of birth-related nasal trauma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between infant head configuration at birth and nasal deformities.
• To determine the incidence of nasal breathing obstruction secondary to birth trauma.
• To evaluate the necessity of early rhinological intervention for newborns.

Main Methods:

• Examination of outer and inner nose structures and parietal bone positions in 972 patients (ages 3-82).
• Comparison of nasal configurations between infants delivered vaginally and via Cesarean section (sectio-patients).
• Statistical analysis to correlate head configuration, birth severity, and nasal deformation.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant nasal deformities (outer and inner nose) were observed in infants experiencing vaginal delivery.
• Nasal breathing obstruction occurred in 20% of examined patients due to these deformities.
• The degree of head configuration directly influenced the severity of nasal deformation.

Conclusions:

• Infant head presentation during vaginal birth can cause statistically significant nasal deformities and breathing issues.
• The direction of nasal deformation is influenced by the infant's head rotation during delivery.
• Immediate rhinological examination and potential correction of nasal septum issues in newborns are supported by these findings.