eMedicine Specialties > Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery > Reconstructive Surgery
Septoplasty: Workup
Updated: Mar 18, 2009
Workup
Imaging Studies
- A CT scan usually is obtained for concurrent reasons, such as assessing sinus disease or evaluating head and/or facial trauma. A deviated septum is readily apparent on a CT film (see Image 3). While septal deviations are apparent on CT scans, obtaining a CT scan is not necessary in a patient in whom no other pathology is suspected (eg, concomitant sinus disease).
Axial CT scan demonstrating severe septal deviation. Note left-sided deflection of caudal septum and right-sided nasal airway obstruction due to bony and cartilaginous posterior deviation.
- Plain films are not indicated in most instances; they do not help because the cartilaginous portion of a deviated septum is not easily visible. Direct examination always is best.
Other Tests
Many proposed methods of nasal airway analysis exist, including rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, and nasal peak flow. The measurements derived from these methods are not always reproducible and do not consistently correlate with a patient's subjective complaint of nasal obstruction. In general, these types of studies are useful for research in nasal obstruction but provide little clinical value in the decision-making process regarding surgery or medical management.
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Workup: Septoplasty |
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References
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Further Reading
Keywords
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Workup: Septoplasty