Immediate Correction of Nasal Septum Dislocation in Newborns: Long-Term Results

Abstract

Background The authors present the results of a long-term follow-up after an immediate reduction of nasal septum luxation in newborn infants. Methods Forty-nine children, who underwent a treatment for septal dislocation within 48 hours after birth, were reexamined in 2002 at a mean age of 13.2 years (range, 10–17 years). The examination was performed through inspection of the nasal pyramid, anterior rhinoscopy, nasal endoscopy, rhinomanometry, and acoustic rhinometry. Results Anatomic and functional findings showed satisfactory results for all children affected by septal dislocation. Three patients presenting irreplaceable septal-pyramidal deformity had no spontaneous reduction at 7-, 10-, and 11-year follow-ups and thus required surgical intervention. Conclusions Considering the simplicity and the safety of the reduction maneuver, the importance of early detection and treatment of neonatal septal dislocations is stressed. This is the longest follow-up study reported in international literature to date.