How septum deformations in newborns occur.

The authors have examined the nasal septum in 273 newborns. Nasal septal deformations have been divided into anterior, posterior and anterior-posterior groups. Newborns have been divided into age groups within 12-h time sections. The incidence of nasal septal deviations in the group of newborns born by spontaneous labour has been compared with the incidence of nasal septal deviations in the group of newborns born by Caesarean section. A much more frequent occurrence of anterior nasal septal deviation has been found in children born by spontaneous labour. It testifies to the importance of birth injury, which leads to anterior nasal septal deformation. The incidence of nasal septal deviations in the particular 12-h age groups has been compared. It has been proved by means of linear and exponential regression that the septum is straightened spontaneously in its anterior section during the first 3 days of life. Therefore a decision about surgical intervention should be taken in the case of older newborns.