Affiliation:
1. Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Mayo Clinic Phoenix Arizona USA
2. Mayo Clinic Department of Otolaryngology University of Arizona College of Medicine—Phoenix Phoenix Arizona USA
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveTo describe and illustrate septal perforation shape through the documentation and analysis of length and height measurements. A secondary objective is to correlate perforation size to surgical and nonsurgical etiologies.Stuy DesignRetrospective case series.SettingTertiary academic medical center.MethodsLength and height of consecutively treated perforations over a 3‐year period were measured directly or through computed tomography. Mean differences in length and height measurements were compared and regression analysis used to determine perforation shape and the effect of etiology on perforation size. Perforations were classified by length into small (1‐5 mm), medium (6‐15 mm), and large (>15 mm) and correlated to shape and etiology.ResultsOne hundred twenty‐four patients (mean age 50.4 years, 60.5% female) met study inclusion criteria. Height was less than length in 93% of perforations 5 mm or greater in length. Mean perforation height was significantly less than length for medium and large perforations (P < .001). Mean length and height measurements of nonsurgical perforations were greater than those for surgical perforations (P < .001).ConclusionHeight is less than length in over 90% of septal perforations. Most perforations assume an elliptical shape as they enlarge. Accurate measurement and presentation of length and height is relevant information to perforation management decisions and for the evaluation of treatment outcomes.