KEY WORDS
Cartilage reconstruction - collapse - nasal deformity - rhinoplasty - septal - trauma
INTRODUCTION
Post-traumatic nasal septal collapse is usually a consequence of a direct blow to
the nose or vehicular accident. Deformity occurs due to compression injury to the
cartilaginous part of the septum, and if not adequately treated, may lead to flat,
broad, non-projecting nose due to collapse of the mid-vault. The loss of cartilage
volume is attributed to the septal haematoma with or without infection.[1] They may have airway obstruction as the internal valve is not well supported. Conventionally,
these injuries have been treated either with ‘cantilever graft technique’[2] or conventional ‘L-graft’ technique.[3] In both these techniques, the monoblock framework extends to the tip, resulting
in a rigid lobule. Second, these grafts do not provide adequate support to the internal
valve and may not relieve airway obstruction. In addition, the cantilever graft also
adds stress to the framework, skin and soft tissue.[4]
[5]
Daniel[6] has recommended composite reconstruction of the framework with cartilage grafts.
We have modified the method described by Daniel in the Indian context and have performed
correction of post-traumatic nasal septal collapse by a three-component framework
consisting of a septal component, a columellar component and a solid dorsal onlay
component. This technique has three distinct advantages: preservation of the natural
pliability of the lobule, improvement of airway subsequent to the internal valve support
and better aesthetic result because of the dorsal definition offered by the onlay
graft.
Description of the deformity
Constantian[7] has given a detailed description of the deformity following septal collapse. The
characteristic features include flattening of the nasal dorsum with accentuation or
development of a dorsal hump and narrowing of the middle third of the nose with internal
valvular incompetence. There may be a change in the nasal length, the apparent increase
in the nasal base size and apparent bony vault widening. Loss of caudal septal support
may result in sharpening of the subnasale, upper lip retrusion with flattening and
posterior displacement of the upper lip. On septal support test (Daniel),[6] compression of the lobule offers no resistance [Figure 1].
Figure 1: Septal support test – there is no resistance to the digital pressure applied to the
supratip area
All the above features may not be uniformly present in post-traumatic deformities.
However, in the frontal view, broad and flat appearance of the nose is obvious [Figure 2]. In the lateral view, the tip appears blunt, and there is hollowness in the supratip
area because of collapse of critical part (dorsocaudal strut) of the septum [Figure 3].
Figure 2: Appearance of nasal dorsum in frontal view – (a) Normal architecture (b) architecture
in septal collapse (c) typical deformity with a flat and broad nose
Figure 3: (a) Normal architecture of the nose. 1: Quadrangular septal cartilage 2: Critical
part of the septum 3: Membranous septum 4: Anterior nasal spine (b and c) Septal collapse
resulting in loss of critical part of septum and subsequent blunt tip and hollowness
of the supratip area
We have noticed two additional features of the deformity:
-
Shadow sign: A horizontal linear shadow is usually seen in the middle of the defect
and when present, is pathognomonic of septal collapse that leads to the deformity
[Figure 4a]
-
Tip touch sign: On applying gentle pressure on the nasal tip the edges of the pyriform
aperture may be visible [Figure 4b].
Figure 4: Clinical signs. (a) The shadow sign- The arrow shows the characteristic horizontal
shadow. (b) Tip touch sign – A gentle pressure applied to the tip makes the edges
of pyriform aperture distinct (arrow)
The airway obstruction in these patients is usually due to lack of support to the
internal valve and not because of deviation of residual septum.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In a retrospective study, 12 patients with post-traumatic nasal septal collapse were
treated with this technique in the past 3 years (May 2013–May 2016). All patients
had a history of trauma resulting in the deformity. The details of the primary injury
and subsequent treatment were not known as none of them were treated by us for the
primary injury and presented to us a few years later for correction of the resultant
deformity. Ten were males and two were females. The youngest patient was 20 years
old and the eldest being 32 years old, with a mean age of 26 years. Two males and
one female had airway obstruction. The Cottle's test in these patients was positive
indicating internal valve collapse. Anterior rhinoscopy in all patients showed no
abnormality, and none of the patients had a deviation of residual septum. The computed
tomography scans of the patients with airway obstruction showed no anatomical abnormality.
Technique of correction
Construction of the new framework requires a large volume of cartilage. Only costal
cartilage can provide such a large volume and hence was used as donor tissue. Either
the seventh, eighth or both costal cartilages were harvested and divided to obtain
multiple pieces [Figure 5a]. Cutting and carving of the cartilage was done using the precision carving technique.[8]
Figure 5: Framework construction (a) multiple pieces carved from costal cartilage. 1 and 2:
Dorsal strips. 3: Caudal strip. 4: Dorsal onlay graft. 5: Columellar strut. 6: Lateral
cartilage support grafts. Additional pieces may be required for contouring elsewhere
in the nose. (b and c). The assembly of three component framework: the septal construct
is made from pieces 1, 2 and 3: Sutured tongue-in-groove at a suitable angle. Piece
4 is for dorsal onlay and piece 5 is for columellar strut
The framework was reconstructed in three components.
-
Septal construct: Restores the structurally important dorsal and caudal septal strips
(dorsocaudal strut). It was made with three pieces:
-
a. A pair of grafts, 20–25 mm long, 10–12 mm wide and 3 mm thick, serving as the dorsal
septal strip. The combined thickness of the bi-lamellar dorsal strip is akin to the
spreader grafts and supports the internal valve
-
b. A graft 20–25 mm long, 10–12 mm wide and 2–3 mm thick, serving as the caudal septal
strip.
The graft was split at the posterior end for anchoring to the anterior nasal spine
(ANS).
The bi-lamellar dorsal strip and the caudal strip were sutured tongue in groove at
a desired angle [Figure 5b] with nasal width of approximately 6 mm.
-
Columellar strut: Provides tip support. The graft is cut very thin, approximately
2–3 mm in thickness so that it does not encroach on the membranous septum
-
Dorsal onlay graft: Helps establish nasal projection and width [Figure 5b and c]. This graft also contributes to the internal valve support.
Additional pieces needed for contouring or upper lateral cartilage support [Figure 5a] were also obtained if required.
The open approach was used for insertion of the framework in all patients. A midline
incision was made on the flat area between the two upper lateral cartilages and two
mucoperichondrial leaves (flaps) were opened to create a pocket of adequate size to
receive the framework [Figure 6]. The anterior and caudal septal area is devoid of cartilage, and it is technically
difficult to separate the two mucoperichondrial leaves to create a pocket. The septal
construct was fabricated in situ. The pieces for the septal construct were arranged inside the pocket and were fixed
at either ends, to the nasal bones above and ANS below. The tongue in groove fixation
sutures were taken last after adjusting the length and the angle. The sides of the
dorsal strips were sutured to the upper lateral cartilages [Figure 7].
Figure 6: (a) Incision for creation of the pocket. (b) The pocket with the two mucoperiosteal
leaves (1, 2) reflected
Figure 7: (a) The septal construct is sutured to the nasal bone (1) and anterior nasal spine
below (2). (b) The lateral cartilages are sutured to anterior edge of the construct
Tip support was provided by using a separate columellar strut sutured to the medial
crura of alar cartilages and loosely anchored to the soft tissue around ANS [Figure 8]. Dorsal augmentation was done with an onlay graft to achieve the desired projection
and definition. The dimensions of the graft were decided by pre-operative nasal analysis
using Guyuron's technique[9] and also by filling the defect with a template carved from a soap cake so as to
obtain a pleasant shape. If required, the upper lateral cartilages were reinforced
with additional support grafts. Osteotomies and alar wedge resection were also done
when required.
Figure 8: (a and b) Complete assembly of framework place in the pocket. 1: Septal construct.
2: Space representing membranous septum. 3: Columellar strut. (c) Columellar strut
is loosely sutured to the anterior nasal spine area and the medial crura of alar cartilages
RESULTS
All patients were satisfied with outcome as seen on 6 months’ follow-up. The three
patients with airway obstruction had relief indicating good structural support. The
projection of the dorsum as well as the tip and dorsal definition were aesthetically
pleasing. Importantly, there was free natural movement of the lobular part of the
nose. One patient (patient 2) had the prominence of the dorsal graft, yet she was
satisfied with the result. She was offered a revision and this was done 9 months after
the first operation with a further improvement in result. To illustrate the technique,
following are a few representative cases:
Patient 1
A 28-year-old man was assaulted with a direct hit to the nose 8 years back. Pathognomonic
shadow sign and tip touch signs were present. The three component framework was constructed
from eighth costal cartilage and positioned in the anatomical areas. Osteotomies were
also done. Post-operative frontal view shows good correction with improved definition,
lateral view shows better projection and a good profile line [Figure 9]. On worm's eye view, good tip support and definition is visible. The pliability
of the lobule can also be appreciated [Figure 10].
Figure 9: A 28-year-old man with typical deformity corrected with the three component framework.
(a and b) Flattened preoperative appearance is corrected with good definition of dorsum.
(c and d) The profile view shows adequate projection
Figure 10: (a and b) The basal view shows good tip support and configuration. (c and d) Demonstrates
good pliability of the lobule
Patient 2
A 20-year-old girl had a fall with the nose hitting the edge of the bed in childhood,
resulting in the septal collapse. The septal component, the columellar strut and the
dorsal onlay was constructed from the eighth costal cartilage. Osteotomies were done
to improve the aesthetic appearance. She also required support grafts for upper lateral
cartilages. These grafts were placed along the lower border of upper lateral cartilage
reinforcing the internal valve [Figure 11]. Post-operative views show good tip configuration and mobility of the lobule is
preserved [Figure 12]. The deformity is fully corrected; however, there is a fullness at the nasion indicating
a graft size larger than required [Figure 13]. Although the patient was happy with the result, she was offered a revision with
the possibility of further improvement. The revision of the same graft has produced
an aesthetically pleasing result [Figure 14].
Figure 11: A 20-year-old girl with septal collapse. (a) Broad and flat nose in frontal view
(b) The septal construct inserted into the pocket. (c) The surface marking of lateral
cartilage support grafts which were placed internally along the lower border of lateral
cartilage
Figure 12: The result of the reconstruction (continued). (a and b). Good tip configuration.
(c and d). Shows mobility of the lobule
Figure 13: The result of reconstruction. (a and b). The frontal view shows good definition and
a narrow slender nose. (c and d). In the lateral view- there is good projection of
the dorsum
Figure 14: The revision procedure (a) The original deformity, (b) lateral view following first
correction. (c) The appearance two and half months after revision of the graft. The
prominence of the nasion area has reduced producing an aesthetically pleasing result
Patient 3
A 26-year-old man suffered from vehicular accident resulting in nasal septal collapse.
Nose appeared broad with loss of tip projection. There was also apparent lengthening
of the nose. Eighth costal cartilage was used for the septal component, columellar
strut and dorsal onlay graft. Medial and lateral osteotomies were also done. Post-operative
pictures show a good correction, better dorsal projection [Figure 15] and definition and good tip support along with good mobility of lower one-third
of the nose [Figure 16].
Figure 15: A 26-year-old man with broad and flat nose. The result shows good correction in frontal
view (a and b) and in lateral view (c and d)
Figure 16: A good tip support in visible in the basal view (a and b). The mobility of the lobule
is well appreciated (c and d)
DISCUSSION
The nasal framework in upper third is formed by nasal bones laterally and perpendicular
plate of ethmoid in the midline rendering it rigid and immobile. Middle third is formed
by nasal cartilaginous septum and upper lateral cartilages allowing slight mobility.
The lower third or the lobule is mobile. It is supported by the alar cartilages. The
corresponding septal part is membranous allowing free mobility.
The dorsal (anterior) part and the caudal part of the cartilaginous septum are important
structurally as well as functionally. Hence, Killian in 19th century, advocated preservation of at least 1.5 cm strips on the dorsal and caudal
areas in an ‘L’ shape [Figure 17].[10] Later on, it was understood that 1 cm width (instead of 1.5 cm) of the dorsocaudal
strut was enough to maintain the structural integrity.[10]
[11] Rest of the bony and cartilaginous septum may be removed as a graft or remodelled.[11] The present technique focuses on a recreation of these dorsal and caudal strips.
Figure 17: Structurally important part of the septum (1). The shaded area (2) can be safely
removed
Nasal trauma might lead to septal framework collapse or resorption of septal cartilage
secondary to haematoma or infection.[1] Conventionally, septal collapse defects were treated with either cantilever technique
or conventional ‘L-graft’ technique. Both these techniques ignore the importance of
critical part of the septum – the dorsal and caudal strips. In cantilever technique,
the graft, either bony or cartilaginous, extends up to the tip with no caudal strut.
It is fixed to the nasal bone with a stainless steel wire or a screw [Figure 18a]. The problem with this technique is that area around the hardware is under stress
and may lead to loosening up of the framework and subsequent collapse. The bony part
may get resorbed adding to the problem.[4]
Figure 18: Comparison of techniques. (a) Cantilever technique - Dorsal bone graft is fixed to
the nasal bones with a screw (1), extending till the tip (2). Collapsed membranous
septum (3). (b) Conventional L-graft technique- Dorsal graft extends to the tip (1),
caudal limb (2) lies in the columella below the membranous septum (3). (c) Our technique-
Septal construct's caudal piece (6) lies cranial to the membranous septum while the
columella strut (7) lies below it. Dorsal onlay graft (8) ends at the septal angle
area. Both the septal construct and dorsal onlay support the internal valve (circled)
well
Conventional ‘L-graft’ is formed from costal cartilage or bone and has dorsal and
caudal limbs. The caudal limb lies in the columella and not in the caudal septal area.
The dorsal limb extends from the radix to the tip of the nose [Figure 18b]. The disadvantage is that the lobule becomes rigid restricting the mobility of the
tip and during high-pressure activity at nose like sneezing, framework may buckle
down.[11]
The septal component of the present technique, although L shaped, is different from
the conventional ‘L graft’. The three-piece construct mimics the structurally important
dorsocaudal part of the cartilaginous septum. The dorsal strips are thick enough to
mimic the spreader grafts and provide support to the internal valve resulting in relief
of airway obstruction. The dorsal component extends only till the septal angle area
and not up to the tip. Unlike the conventional ‘L graft’, the caudal part of our framework
represents the natural caudal area of the septum. It keeps the membranous septum free
as it lies cranial to the membranous septum and not in the columella. Columellar support
is given by a separate strut. This anatomical framework reconstruction [Figure 18c] maintains the pliability of membranous septum and lobule, unlike the rigid conventional
‘L-graft’. As the septal and columellar supports are provided by two separate components,
the lobule remains structurally separate from the upper two-thirds and is free to
move.
Daniel[6] and Cakmak et al.[12] have described their classifications of the saddle nose deformity based on the severity
of the defect and the treatment offered. Our patients fall mainly in Type III of Daniel
classification. A composite reconstruction is recommended for such defects with replacement
of the dorsocaudal septal strut, a columellar strut and a diced cartilage fascia graft
for the dorsum. However, our patients had additional features similar to Type IV.
Although the bony vault is not disrupted, in the Indian context it is inherently small,
necessitating a structural dorsal graft. Second, even if the vestibular lining is
not contracted, the skin-soft tissue envelope is not as elastic. A tough skin envelope
may exert a compression force on the underlying graft and a pliable graft may yield
to it. Hence, we prefer a solid graft for dorsal onlay. We avoid resorption by not
including any bony component in the costal graft, and it is shaped by precision carving
technique to avoid distortion.[8] We also feel that when the upper lateral cartilages do not have enough stiffness,
grafts for upper lateral cartilage support may be required.
We believe the structural onlay graft is an essential component of the framework for
two reasons. First, it provides support to the internal valve [Figure 18c].[13]
[14] Although the septal construct component is adequate for this purpose, the onlay
graft provides the additional anterior framework support. Second, septal construct
alone may not adequately meet the aesthetic demands of projection, definition and
width of the nasal dorsum. In Indian patients, the aesthetic needs are different in
that they generally need more projection.[15] As the size and shape of the onlay graft can be tailored as per the requirements,
it provides the ability to precisely control the dorsal projection, definition and
width. The aesthetic needs are better met with using a third onlay component rather
than using the septal component alone, and this should be the method of choice in
Indian patients. In addition, maneuvers such as osteotomies and alar wedge resection
may be required to enhance aesthetic and functional outcome. This technique has produced
uniformly good results. One patient showed prominence of the graft at the nasion,
however, this can be considered as error of judgement and not a failure of the technique.
The revision of this graft was relatively easy, indicating versatility of the technique.
This technique has three distinct advantages over the traditional techniques:
-
i. It maintains pliability of the lobule as the framework is constructed in separate
components
-
ii. It ensures better support to the internal valve as it incorporates three different
ways of valve support: the septal construct that mimics spreader grafts, the dorsal
onlay graft and the upper lateral cartilage support grafts, thus minimising the chances
of failure
-
iii. The dorsal onlay component also offers better control of aesthetic needs.
CONCLUSION
Post-traumatic nasal septal collapse is a difficult entity to treat. Restoration of
the natural anatomical framework commands not only support to the internal nasal valve,
creation of separate stable and mobile nasal units but also shaping an aesthetically
pleasing dorsum. Our technique satisfies these criteria improving the outcome.
Declaration of patient consent
The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms.
In the form the patient(s) has/have given his/her/their consent for his/her/their
images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patients
understand that their names and initials will not be published and due efforts will
be made to conceal their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
