Nasal septal deformities in ear, nose, and throat patients: an international study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and characteristics of nasal septum deformities in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) patients in various geographic regions in the world.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Anterior rhinoscopy without nasal decongestion was performed in 17 ENT centers in 14 countries. The septal deformities were classified according to the classification system proposed by Mladina.

RESULTS

A total of 2589 adult ENT patients (1500 males and 1089 females) were examined. Septal deformities were found in 89.2% of subjects. Left-sided deformities were slightly more prevalent than right-sided deformities (51.6% and 48.4%, respectively). The most frequent type of deformity was type 3 (20.4%). Straight septum was found in 15.4% of females and 7.5% of males.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost 90% of the subjects showed 1 of the 7 types of septal deformity. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of their appearance among particular geographic regions. Type 3 was the most frequent type. Straight septum was twice as frequent in females than in males.