Nasal Bone Anthropometric Analysis of 1022 Adult Turkish Patients Utilizing Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography: The Dorsal Profile Angle and Its Clinical Implications.

BACKGROUND

Anthropometric analysis of the nasal bone can establish parameters that significantly contribute to rhinoplasty outcomes. Key anatomical landmarks situated along the nasal dorsum, including the sellion, rhinion, and kyphion, can have significant angular relationships. Among these elements, the dorsal profile angle (DPA) and its corresponding point have been the least investigated to date.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive review of nasal bone anthropometrics using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) images from 1022 randomly selected adult Turkish patients who applied for rhinoplasty at our clinic between 2022 and 2025 years was conducted. The inclusion criteria for this study consisted of cases seeking primary rhinoplasty; cases of secondary rhinoplasty and severe trauma were excluded from consideration. The measurements were meticulously performed on lateral views of the CT scans. Key points identified included the nasion, sellion, dorsal profile angle (hereinafter referred to as the gibbion point), kyphion, and rhinion points. The dorsal profile angle, nasofrontal angle (NFA), nasion angle (NA), and kyphion angle (KA) were calculated, along with measurements of nasal bone length and shape. Thus, S- and V-shape nasal bone anthropometrics were detected, and the correlations between all measurements were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean age was 35.4 ± 12.7 years. Of the cases, 501 were female, and the remaining were male. Seven hundred sixteen cases had an S-shaped nasal bone. In contrast, 306 had a V-shape. The DPA, NFA, and KA were 153.5 ± 10.7°, 125.7 ± 7.1°, and 160.7 ± 6.5° in the S-shape group, while they measured 157.5 ± 7.3°, 128.5 ± 10.6°, and 167 ± 7.3° in the V-shape group, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the measurements (p = 0.001). A low-level but positive correlation was found between the DPA with kyphion and nasofrontal angles.

CONCLUSIONS

The pivot point of the dorsal profile angle represents the origin of a prominent hump. This angle is more distinct in males and noses characterized by S-shaped nasal bones. Therefore, surgeons are advised to consider DPA when executing preservation rhinoplasty, as alterations to this angle may transform the nasal framework from an S-shape to a V-shape.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

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