Saddle nose

As a saddle nose deformity of the human nose is called, which is characterized by depression of the nasal bridge. By far the most common form is the cartilaginous saddle nose in the lower third of the nasal dorsum. The bony saddle nose with depression in the upper part of the nose profile is more rare.

Causes

Reason for the emergence of a cartilaginous saddle nose is a lack of support of the nasal dorsum by the nasal septum. Causes can previous nasal septum operations to radical cartilage removal, compression injuries, bacterial inflammation of the nasal cartilage or cartilage destruction by systemic diseases be ( polychondritis, Wegener 's granulomatosis ). Bony saddle nose may arise (along with other changes in shape of the face) after midface fractures or isolated as a result of specific infections such as syphilis. Congenital hypoplasia of the nasal bone lead to the image of a saddle nose.

Symptoms

The depression of the nasal bridge usually leads to impairment of other support structures of the nose and thus to nasal obstruction. The cosmetic aspect of the deformity can also lead to mental health problems.

Therapy

The destruction of the cartilaginous infrastructure of the nose makes a reconstruction of the supporting structures. This is part of a rhinoplasty by transplantation of cartilage - either from the nose itself or by transplantation of ear cartilage or rib cartilage.