Nasal Sidewall Dimensions in the Asian Nose: A Thai Cadaveric Study

Abstract

Nasal bone length remains a commonly referenced attribute when referring to the aesthetic nose. Short nasal bone length is suggested to predispose to a greater risk of middle vault collapse after rhinoplasty. We report on normative measurements of nasal bones and associated structures in Thai cadavers. Using twelve adult cadavers, common external nasal landmarks were identified and measured to approximate the dimensions of the nasal bones and upper lateral cartilages. These clinically relevant surface landmarks were correlated to direct measurements of dissected nasal bones and the upper lateral cartilage in these same cadavers. Additionally, external landmarks of ten volunteers were examined. The average measured length of the nasal bone was 19.00 mm; the average measured length of the upper lateral cartilage was 13.15 mm. Measurements obtained via external landmarks were 17.60 mm and 13.05 mm respectively. The relationship of the nasal bone internal length to the external measurement (A) was a ratio of 1.10:1, whereas the internal length of the upper lateral cartilage to the corresponding external measurement (B) was 1.04:1. On average the nasal bones contributed to 59% of the middle vault nasal sidewall. The average length of the Thai adult nasal bone is 19.00 mm while that of the upper lateral cartilage is 13.15 mm. The relationships of the accepted external landmarks to the underlying anatomic structures were established using a t test. This normative data will generate useful parameters when evaluating the Asian rhinoplasty patient.