Evaluation of the turbinate hypertrophy by computed tomography in patients with deviated nasal septum.

Abstract

To determine the dimensions of the compensatory hypertrophic inferior turbinate and investigate the radiological changes in the morphology of the conchal bone in patients with septal deviation. A retrospective chart review. The mucosal and bone compartments of the hypertrophic turbinate were measured using computed tomography (CT) in patients with septal deviation, and the conchal bones were classified radiologically as lamellar, compact, and combined types. The results were compared with those of controls. The dimensions of the bony and mucosal components of the inferior turbinate were significantly greater than those of controls in the anterior and middle segments, while the morphological changes in the conchal bone were not different. The significant bony and mucosal enlargement in the anterior and middle segments of the inferior turbinate supports turbinate reduction at the time of septoplasty and the CT findings should be considered when making a decision about the reduction type.