Do anatomic variations of the middle turbinate have an effect on nasal septal deviation or paranasal sinusitis?

Abstract

Objectives: We evaluated the relationship between 1) anatomic variations of the middle turbinate and bony septal deviations and 2) chronic sinusitis.

Methods: We compared 73 computed tomographic scans of healthy control patients with 461 scans performed for evaluation of nasal symptoms. Paranasal sinusitis was identified. We recorded the incidences of anatomic variation of the middle turbinate and of bony septal deviation.

Results: The incidences of anatomic variation of the middle turbinate and of bony septal deviation were not significantly different between the control group and the symptomatic group. Anatomic variation of the middle turbinate was related to contralateral septal deviation. There was no statistical relationship between bony septal deviation or middle turbinate variation and sinusitis.

Conclusions: Anatomic variations of the middle turbinate have an effect on bony septal deviations to the contralateral side. However, middle turbinate variations and bony septal deviation are not associated with chronic sinusitis.