Crooked Nose Rhinoplasty

Correction of a twisted nose poses one of the greatest challenges in septorhinoplasty. Resulting from a myriad of causes, the surgeon's first task is to elucidate the etiology of the asymmetric nose and then plan surgical correction. In these circumstances, physicians must be able to make an accurate diagnosis to formulate an appropriate surgical plan. For proper and effective treatment, the surgeon must devise a therapeutic plan that takes into account balance, proportion, symmetry, and correction of nasal function. ^{[1, 2]}

Familiarity with the crooked nose leads to appreciation of commonly associated anatomical abnormalities. Asymmetric noses are typically characterized by deviation of the bony upper third and/or the cartilaginous lower two thirds of the nose. Deviation is often sinusoid in nature, shown below, and the tip may or may not be midline.

These structural issues often contribute to nasal obstruction, further complicating optimal surgical management. Although one may be tempted to focus on contour deformities, adequate care must also involve complete correction of nasal obstruction. ^[3]

Trauma

Nasal bones are the most commonly fractured bones in the face, and fractured nasal bones are a leading cause of an asymmetric nose. Neglected or partially reduced nasal fractures usually result in a crooked nose associated with surface depressions and irregularities. These patients often present without prior medical attention, and many recount a history of progressive nasal changes following a traumatic event. Of the patients who do receive treatment following the incident, many find the treatment unsuccessful.

Patients with external nasal deformities frequently experience progressive nasal obstruction. Offending trauma leads to both septal deviation and disruption of traditional nasal support mechanisms. With loss of nasal support, internal and external nasal valve collapse may result.

Injury leading to a crooked nose may be secondary to a recent event or to years of scarring and contraction following previous trauma. Many people believe they were born with a deviated nose or that the condition was genetic; however, both patients and physicians alike frequently overlook childhood trauma as a common cause of crooked nose. Children are frequent recipients of trauma leading to progressive deviation. The noses of children are composed primarily of cartilage. The nasal bones are smaller, softer, more compliant, and capable of absorbing energy from the force of trauma.

Birth trauma may result in nasal septal deviation. Nasal septal deformities are estimated to occur in 1.25-23% of newborns. Forceps-assisted or breech delivery is often mentioned as the etiology of injury, but intrauterine forces may also be responsible for neonatal cartilage deformities. Fortunately, these deviations may be treated easily in the early neonatal period. A displaced septum can often be reduced at the bedside with a blunt forceps.

Nasal fractures commonly result from lateral forces. In this type of injury, the nose may appear deviated but is not. This illusion is caused by depression of a unilateral bony fragment. For example, unilateral trauma may in-fracture 1 nasal sidewall, creating the illusion of nasal dorsum deflection to the opposite side. This type of injury carries good prognosis for restoration of function.

A truly deviated nasal fracture occurs with greater frontal force and less lateral force. Greater force is needed from frontal impact to produce nasal fracture, as nasal bones are buttressed by frontal process of the maxilla, nasal spine, and perpendicular plate of the ethmoid. Direct frontal injury causes fracture and splays the nasal bones. The septum, which is the shock absorber of the nose, may fracture and be displaced from its pedestal. Nasal trauma associated with septal fracture requires a more extensive repair process.

Diseases of the septum and internal nose

Diseases of the septum and internal nose may cause resorption of supporting structures leading to collapse of nasal valves and deviation. Autoimmune or immunologic diseases are classic examples of disorders resulting in septal injury. Physicians may overlook this category of diseases while formulating a differential diagnosis of asymmetric nose etiology. Connective-tissue diseases play an important role in otolaryngology. Unless a correct diagnosis is made, many symptoms and anatomic abnormalities will recur or progress despite attempts at surgical correction.

Other diagnostic considerations include drug abuse and neoplastic processes. Nasal inhalation of cocaine leads to ulceration of nasal mucosa. With consistent use, mucosal atrophy and septal perforation may occur. In cases of neoplastic or polypoid disease, careful inspection of the nose reveals mucosal changes. Nasal bones and cartilage may become lateralized, creating asymmetries in the middle- and upper-third regions of the nose. The nasal surgeon needs to evaluate for these less obvious causes of a deviated nose.

Postsurgical

Many patients who seek either cosmetic or functional benefits of rhinoplasty are initially pleased with their new appearance. Years later, as the forces of healing begin to manifest, patients may become disappointed.

Rhinoplasty is a complex surgical procedure fraught with potential complications. Unfortunately, reduction rhinoplasty frequently results in loss of structural support and a weakened nose. A combination of scarring, gravity, and aging pulls the nose in different directions and can result in nasal collapse and deviation. Asymmetric or incomplete osteotomies result in deviation of the upper-third region of the nose and obvious step deformities. Despite complete and symmetric osteotomies, if the nasal structures responsible for the deviation are not corrected, the nasal pyramid may migrate back to its original position. ^[4]

Surgical treatment of an operated nose can be difficult, as landmarks and tissue planes are unclear. The required approach and treatment plan must be strong in fundamental principles of returning nasal support and structure.

Evaluation of the twisted nose begins with a thorough history and physical examination.

History

Symptoms of nasal obstruction, rhinitis, or epistaxis may indicate nasal valve collapse or septal deviation. Do not overlook medical or seasonal allergies, because such conditions are necessary components of a complete history.

Physical examination

The physical examination encompasses a systematic and thorough evaluation of the nose. Beginning with an external nasal exam, the nose is analyzed in relation to the entire face. Detailed and systematic facial analysis is a time-honored and learned skill that is instrumental in diagnosing structural nasal pathology. Evaluate symmetry and balance of facial aesthetic units separately and in conjunction with nasal structures. Balancing the nose against any asymmetries of the face is important. Skin type and patient age are also important factors that must be considered.

Narrow the focus to the nose and determine the nature of the deviation (ie, decide if it is a true deviation or an illusion secondary to a unilateral collapsed upper lateral cartilage). Appreciate involvement of the upper bony third of the nose and/or the middle cartilaginous vault.

Detailed attention and analysis of the nasal tip determines if the tip is midline or also deviated. ^[5] Proper evaluation of the tip is a prerequisite to determining the most appropriate surgical approach. Palpation of the nose for bony irregularities, location of the anterior septal angle, and evaluation of tip support are integral parts of the physical exam. Basal view of the nose may highlight a caudal septum deviation.

During inspiration, watch for a collapsing ala, which impedes air entry. This is a sign of external valve collapse and is observed more commonly in individuals who have undergone aggressive reduction rhinoplasty. The crooked nose very often is driven by a deviating or fractured septum.

Evaluation of the septal relationship to nasal turbinates is necessary, as compensatory turbinate hypertrophy can contribute to nasal obstruction. The attachment of the upper lateral cartilage to the septum ideally creates an angle of 9-15°. Any angle less than this suggests internal valve compromise.

If a positive Cottle maneuver, performed by retracting the cheek skin laterally, conveys relief from obstruction, suspect internal valve collapse. Acoustic rhinometry may objectively define this obstruction but has not been proven necessary in clinical practice.

A complete internal nasal examination, repeated with the aid of a topical decongestant, allows better visualization of the posterior and dorsal septum. Constriction of the nasal mucosa improves appreciation of obstructing etiology.

Following the history and physical examination, photographic documentation is performed. Photography plays a vital role in preoperative management of the asymmetric nose. It functions as a tool in diagnosis and planning of therapeutic procedures. Photography allows the surgeon to precisely record nasal abnormalities. With the aid of digital cameras and computer-generated imaging systems, surgical alterations may be demonstrated clearly to the patient.

Postoperatively, photography serves to document immediate outcome and functions as a historical record to follow surgical changes.

Photography may play a role in medicolegal issues. In addition to standard rhinoplasty photographs, other views are helpful in documenting the crooked nose. A photographic view from above and behind the nose, as shown below, is a good reference for intraoperative viewing. A straight object, such as a tongue blade, placed down the midline of the nose highlights asymmetries of the twisted nose. Another benefit may be obtained from a single light source, allowing for natural shadows that accentuate nasal deviation.