The correlation between the outcomes found with rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry and an individual's subjective sensation of nasal patency remains uncertain. Based on this review, it seems that the chance of a correlation is greater when each nasal passage is assessed individually and when obstructive symptoms are present. There still seems to be only a limited argument for the use of rhinomanometry or acoustic rhinometry in routine rhinologic practice or for quantifying surgical results.

Objective: To describe and evaluate results of a surgical procedure to treat internal nasal valve insufficiency with the use of spreader grafts placed via an endonasal approach without division of the upper lateral cartilages from the nasal septum.Design: Eighty-nine patients with complaints of nasal obstruction, at least partially due to internal nasal valve insufficiency, underwent this operation on 120 sides in a private practice setting. Only autologous material was used, and 3 different techniques for fixating the grafts were evaluated. All patients were prospectively studied, and subjective selfassessment was used to quantify the result of the operation.Results: On 53 sides (44%) nasal breathing was de-scribed as "optimal," and on 53 sides (44%) the result was deemed "improved." On 13 sides (11%) no change was noted, and on 1 side (1%) the postoperative situation was judged to be worse.

Objectives:The objectives of this study were to describe and compare two techniques used to correct nasal septum deviations located in the dorsal and/or caudal septum. Study Design: The authors conducted a retrospective clinical chart review. Methods: The authors conducted a comparison of functional and technical results between surgery in the L-strut of the septum in 114 patients with septal battens or by septal replacement by subjective self-evaluation and by examination of the position of the septum during follow up. Results: There was subjective improvement in nasal breathing in 86% of the septal batten group and in 94% of the septal replacement group. This difference was not statistically significant. The technical result was judged by examining the position of the septum during follow up as midline, slightly deviated, or severely deviated. The septum was significantly more often located in the midline during follow up in the septal replacement group than in the septal batten group. Conclusion: Treatment of deformities located in the structurally important L-strut of the septum may be technically challenging and many functional, structural, and esthetic considerations must be taken into account. On the basis of this series, both septal battens and septal replacement techniques may be considered for correction of deviations in this area. The functional improvement rates were not significantly different between the techniques, although during follow up, the septum appeared to be significantly more often located in the midline in the septal replacement group. The techniques are described and their respective advantages and potential drawbacks are discussed.

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