Anterior Nasal Spine Relocation for Caudal Septal Deviation: A Case Series and Discussion of Common Scenarios.

BACKGROUND

Deviation of the anterior nasal spine (ANS) is a common cause of caudal nasal septal deviation. In our experience, relocation of the deviated ANS is a useful technique in the correction of the caudal septal deviation.

OBJECTIVES

To describe our experience with the ANS relocation technique in isolation and in combination with other techniques for correction of caudal septal deviation.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on cases of ANS relocation.

RESULTS

A total of 378 patients underwent ANS relocation over 4 years. Complete straightening of the septum occurred in 312 cases (82.5%), and significant improvement with mild remnant deviation occurred in 66 cases (17.5%). No patients had severe remnant deviation. None of the patients requested for revision surgery. A total of 351 patients (92.9%) experienced significant subjective improvement in bilateral nasal airflow, while 27 patients (7.1%) experienced mild improvement in bilateral nasal airflow. None of the patients had worsened airflow after surgery.

CONCLUSION

The ANS relocation technique is a useful and effective technique which can be used in isolation or in combination of other techniques for the correction of caudal septal deviation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

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