Septum

Abstract

Septal deformities are very common. They may cause nasal obstruction on the deviated side. On the other side, compensatory inferior turbinate hypertrophy may cause obstruction. The most common cause of a septal perforation is previous septal surgery. Other causes include chronic trauma such as nose-picking, use of cocaine, septal hematomas, and infections like tuberculosis. The majority of perforations are located in the anterior cartilaginous portion of the septum. Septal button may be used to close the perforation temporarily. Small and medium-sized perforations can be closed by surgery. Saddle nose deformity is generally due to dorsal collapse of the nose due to septal cartilage destruction.