Facial sagittal growth following partial, basal resection of the nasal septum: a retrospective study in man

In order to obtain proper nasal respiratory function in the relatively uncommon inborn obstruction of the posterior nares, known as congenital choanal atresia, it is necessary to eliminate the occluding membrane. The conventional surgical method (Owens, 1965) involves a subtotal resection of the vomero-palatal junction. Lateral skull radiographs for cephalometric evaluation of facial relationships were taken post-operatively on 51 patients with congenital choanal atresia, 33 of whom had been operated on during the growth period. These were compared with cephalograms of 51 untreated individuals of corresponding ages, sex and ethnic background. The result showed that the resection had no significant influence on sagittal facial growth. However, when impeded nasal respiration was allowed to persist during childhood and youth it appeared to result in a shorter maxilla and a tendency towards a retrognathic face.