Abstract:ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical application of septal autograft in the restoration of nasal septal fracture and evaluate its clinical effect in improving nasal contour and ventilation function.MethodsTwentyeight patients suffering from nasal septal fracture with deformity of nasal cartilage cone and nasal obstruction were hospitalized in our department between Jan. 2016 and Dec. 2017. Before operation, highresolution spiral computed tomography (CT) scans were performed to all patients for threedimensional (3D) reconstruction and preoperative evaluation. Extranasal approach was adopted to correct the deviated nasal septum, and septal cartilage and/or perpendicular plate of ethmoid bone were used to reconstruct the distorted septal frame structure.ResultsAll the 28 patients had been followed up for 6 to 12 months postoperatively. The preoperative and postoperative mean visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of nasal appearance were (7.64±1.81) and (1.18±1.25) respectively, while those of the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scales were (11.07±4.42) and (3.96±2.19). The differences between the preoperative and postoperative mean values were both statistically significant (both P<0.01).ConclusionAs an autograft, the nasal septal cartilage and / or the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone can be applied to the restoration of nasal septal fracture to effectively enhance the stability of the nasal septum frame, strengthen the support of the nasal septum, and improve the external nasal morphology and nasal ventilation function. Therefore, this septal autograft is of great importance for clinical application.
