Evaluation of the Inferior Turbinate in Patients With Deviated Nasal Septum by Using Computed Tomography

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to measure the dimensions, composition, and possible structural and radiological changes of the compensatory hypertrophic inferior turbinate in patients with deviated nasal septum. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial at a university medical center. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with deviated nasal septum and compensatory hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate in the contralateral nasal cavity were examined by computed tomography. RESULTS: The dimensions of the compensatory hypertrophic inferior turbinate in patients with septal deviation were compared with normal control subjects. The difference in width of the medial and lateral mucosa and the conchal bone between the two groups was statistically significant (P <.05). CONCLUSION: The present study uncovers the dimensions and composition of the inferior turbinate with compensatory hypertrophy in patients with nasal septum deviation. The findings support the decision to excise the inferior turbinate bone at the time of septoplasty, because of the significant bony and mucosal expansion.