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Deviated nasal septum. Incidence and etiology
Summary
Septal deformities, including deviations and kinks, are common from birth and persist into adulthood, affecting facial structure. Early recognition and manipulation, like rapid maxillary expansion, can address these issues, particularly those linked to birth pressures.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Anatomy
- Craniofacial Development
Background:
- Septal deformities, categorized as anterior cartilage or combined septal issues, can arise from trauma or developmental pressures.
- These deformities are often integral to broader facial structure abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and patterns of septal deformities in infants, adult skulls across various ethnic groups, and mammals.
- To explore the role of birth-related pressures and evolutionary factors in the development of septal deformities.
Main Methods:
- Nasal testing of 2,380 infants using specialized struts.
- Examination of 2,112 adult skulls from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
- Comparative analysis of septal structures in 918 mammals, including apes and marsupials.
Main Results:
- At birth, 42% of infant septa were straight, 27% deviated, and 31% kinked; adult skulls showed 21% straight, 37% deviated, and 42% kinked.
- Anterior cartilage deformity occurred in approximately 4% of births.
- Septal deformities were absent in lower animals but present in higher apes and ancient hominids, suggesting evolutionary influences.
Conclusions:
- Septal deformities manifest at consistent rates from birth through adulthood, with minor ethnic variations.
- Birth molding pressures are a significant contributor to septal deformities and dental malocclusion.
- Skull morphology and upright posture are key factors; early detection and manipulative treatments like rapid maxillary expansion are recommended.