Anthropometric and Cephalometric Evaluation after Metzembaun Septoplasty Performed in Children

ObjectiveDuring septoplasty, important areas involved in nasal growth can be damaged, leading to a concern over whether septoplasty alters facial development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Metzenbaum septoplasty on nasal and facial growth in children.MethodChildren who underwent Metzembaun septoplasty before puberty had anthropometric (nasal length/height, columella length/nasal tip projection, nasal length/superior third, and height/width of the face) and cephalometric parameters measured (palatal length, middle third length, linear protrusion and angular protrusion of the face) and compared with normal standards reported in the literature.ResultsSixteen patients were transversally analyzed (mean age of 13 years old by the time of surgery, and mean time of 4.3 years postoperative). In anthropometric evaluation, one patient presented with nasal length/height and nasal length/superior third of the face below normal values. Cephalometric evaluation demonstrated normal values in at least 81% of the cases. Overall, only one patient presented anthropometric and cephalometric below normal values, but did not complain about aesthetic or nasal patency. All remaining patients that had one measure value below normal range had no other parameters consistently low.ConclusionMetzenbaum septoplasty performed during puberty does not cause significant impact on the nasal or facial growth, as long as mucopericondrium and growth areas are maintained intact during the surgery.