Background Caudal and dorsal septal deviation is a major cause of nasal obstruction and is difficult to correct. The L strut division technique has been previously described and involves cutting and overlapping the convex-most part of the caudal septal L-strut and fixation of these segments to create a straight caudal segment.
Learning Objectives Recognize the L-strut division and reconstruction technique as suitable for obtaining optimal functional and cosmetic nasal outcomes.
Study Objective In this study we propose that the L strut division technique is suitable for obtaining optimal cosmetic and functional nasal outcomes.
Design Type Case series.
Method Patients undergoing functional septorhinoplasty with L strut cartilage division were recruited for this study. The primary outcome for the study was postoperative Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and SCHNOS (Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey) scores of included patient subjects. Patients all filled out NOSE and SCHNOS scores pre-operatively and at least 6 months post-surgery. Paired two-tailed T tests were calculated for both NOSE and SCHNOS scores to compare pre-operative and post-operative scores with the threshold for significance at p < 0.05.
Results Nineteen patients were included in this preliminary study. Average NOSE and SCHNOS score pre-operatively was 12.4 (SD 3.8) and 25.3 (SD 7.2); post-operative averages were 2.7 (SD 3.9) and 7.7 (SD 9.3) respectively. T tests comparing pre- and post- operative NOSE and SCHNOS scores resulted in p values of 0.00.
Conclusion Our results support that the L-strut division and reconstruction significantly improves functional and cosmetic outcomes in patients.