Applied anatomy of the nasal lower lateral cartilage: a new finding

Lower Lateral Cartilage Cephalic Malposition: An Over-Diagnosed Entity

BACKGROUND

Lower lateral cartilage malposition is represented by anterior convexity of the lower lateral cartilage (LLC) dome with posterior pinch, as defined by Sheen and Constantian. This anatomic variation consists of cephalic, or upward and inward, rotation of lateral crura, particularly in bulbous tip patients. In most cases, "bulbous pinch" LLC is positioned toward the medial canthus, not laterally, so it is referred to as cephalic displacement. Accordingly, it is recommended to caudally displace cartilage in the majority of rhinoplasty cases in which variation is seen.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this paper is to measure the exact angle of lateral crura with fixed reference points on the face.

METHODS

We drew and marked LLC contours and vertical/horizontal lines in 40 consecutive rhinoplasty cases. We then divided them into two groups: (1) bulbous pinch and (2) flat LLCs. The right- and left-sided LLC angles to midline and horizontal lines were measured and compared to assess whether there was any significant difference between the two subgroups.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the angles of LLC rotation in the bulbous and flat LLCs groups, measured both vertically and horizontally.

CONCLUSION

Based on our findings, although cephalic malposition of LLCs may be present in some patients but in the majority of cases the etiology of nasal lateral wall pinching is not cephalic displacement of lateral crura but most probably is due, rather, to severe convexity of the posterior and lateral crura. According to our findings, cephalic malposition is an uncommon anatomic variation of LLCs that has been reported at high frequency (60-70% of their rhinoplasty cases). This finding may help to correct this deformity into a normal anatomic configuration.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

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An anatomical study in the oriental nose of the location of the vibrissae-bearing area in relation to the lower lateral cartilage

BACKGROUND

There is no well-known indicator that can assist with a precise intranasal incision during open rhinoplasty on the caudal border of the lower lateral cartilage. However, the vibrissae-bearing area is clinically known as a good landmark for cartilage. The aim of this study was to investigate the features of the vibrissae-bearing area in relation to the lower lateral cartilage.

METHODS

Twenty-four heminoses of fixed Japanese cadavers were dissected to clarify the anatomical location of the vibrissae-bearing area in relation to the lower lateral cartilage.

RESULTS

The medial part of the vibrissae-bearing area was precisely located on the medial crus of the lower lateral cartilage. Via a transitional state at the dome, the lateral part was located cephalic to the lateral crus in a manner in which the vibrissae-bearing area was adjacent to the lateral crus (adjacent type) in 22 cases, whilst the vibrissae-bearing area overlapped the lateral crus to some extent (overlap type) in two cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The anatomical location of the vibrissae-bearing area in relation to the lower lateral cartilage is almost uniform, suggesting its utility as an open rhinoplasty incision landmark.

Applied surgical anatomy of the nose

Although anatomy often seems static, the continual innovation of new surgical techniques and approaches, in reality, make it a dynamic field. The first essential principal of any surgery is the comprehensive knowledge of the anatomic area and its physiology. This assertion is especially true in functional and or cosmetic nasal surgery.