[Differences of anatomic variations in ostiomeatal complex between two sides of the deviated septum]

Abstract

Objective: To explore the influence of the deviated septum on the development of ostiomeatal complex (OMC).

Methods: Nasal endoscopic examination and CT scan of the paranasal sinuses of 103 patients with nasal septal deviation were analyzed. The differences of anatomic variations in OMC between ipsilateral and contralateral sides in relation to the direction of septal deviation. The incidence of sinusitis on either side of the deviated septum was evaluated.

Results: On the side opposite to the deviated septum, the incidence of middle and inferior turbinate hypertrophy was higher than that of the deviated side(P < 0.05). The width of agger nasi and ethmoid bulla was on the contralateral side larger than that of the ipsilateral side (P < 0.01). The incidence of paradoxical curvature of middle turbinate on the ipsilateral side was higher than that of contralateral side (P < 0.01). Other anatomic variations showed no significant differences between two sides of the deviated septum (P > 0.05), nor was there any difference between the incidence of sinusitis on the two sides.

Conclusion: Some compensatory changes in middle and inferior turbinates and lateral nasal-wall on the opposite side to the deviation might be caused by the deviated septum.