Septal Cartilage Defined: Implications for Nasal Dynamics and Rhinoplasty

BACKGROUND: Although the septal cartilage is integral to structural nasal stability, it is routinely violated during septorhinoplasty. This occurs during dorsal hump reduction, caudal septal reduction, submucoperichondrial resection of a deviated septum, or harvesting of cartilage graft material. Despite such routine alteration and/or use, the characteristics of septal cartilage have not been adequately defined. METHODS: By measuring septal length, height, and cartilage thickness mapped out at 5-mm intervals over the entire nasal septum in 11 fresh cadaver specimens, the characteristics of septal cartilage were determined. RESULTS: Septal thickness measurements demonstrated significant differences along the nasal septum, with the greatest thickness along the septal base (2.7 +/- 0.1 mm), followed by intermediate thickness along the septal dorsum (2.0 +/- 0.2 mm) and the least thickness along the central portion (1.3 +/- 0.2 mm) and at the anterior septal angle (1.2 +/- 0.1 mm) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These observations clarify several nuances regarding septal structural stability, septal deformities, and the effects of septal alteration during rhinoplasty. The findings of this study reinforce several principles, including recognition of factors contributing to the high propensity of acquired central septal perforations; preservation of a generous L-strut width, especially at the anterior septal angle, or if planning dorsal hump reduction, prudent allocation of harvested septal cartilage; and clarifying the proclivity for supratip deformity following rhinoplasty.