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

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.