Normal and Abnormal Growth at the Nasoseptovomeral Region

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to review and summarize a selected series of previously reported experiments at the nasoseptovomeral region dealing with both normal growth and the effects of certain operative procedures in young and adult rabbits. The methods of study included gross and serial cephalometric radiography with radiopaque implants, histology, and autoradiography. Findings indicated that the frontonasal suture region was an active secondary site of growth unaffected by extirpation. Examples of differential sutural growth were presented. The proximal and distal regions of both the nasal bone and septum were their most active sites of growth. Extirpations of the central section of the cartilaginous nasal septum resulted in severe upper facial deformity in young but not in adult rabbits. Trauma to the nasal bone region in the young rabbit did not result in severe facial deformity as did trauma to the cartilaginous nasal septum. Another purpose of this report is to present some of the different approaches used to study the nasoseptovomeral region.

Pediatric Facial Fractures and Potential Long-Term Growth Disturbances

“…The midfacial growth occurs forward from the skull base directed by the midline synchondroses of the sphenoid, ethmoid, and vomer. 5,6 This region directs nasal growth, which is slower to achieve full growth compared with the cranium and orbit. The height of the nose as measured by nasion to subnasale is 30 mm at 1 year of age, just under 40 mm at 4 years, and fully grown in females at 12 years (46 mm) and in males at 15 years (50 mm) in a large cohort of North American children.…”

“…The nasal bridge may be depressed, leading to a saddle nose deformity. 6,22,30,31 Treatment for this may require nasal dorsal augmentation with either autogenous grafts or alloplastic implants. Animal experiments suggest that damage to the cartilaginous portion of the nasoseptovomeral region can result in significant growth disturbance, and isolated nasal bony trauma results in less growth disturbance.…”

“…The midfacial growth occurs forward from the skull base directed by the midline synchondroses of the sphenoid, ethmoid, and vomer 56. This region directs nasal growth, which is slower to achieve full growth compared with the cranium and orbit.…”

“…Longer-term sequelae may present as telecanthus if the medial canthus is able to drift laterally. The nasal bridge may be depressed, leading to a saddle nose deformity 6223031. Treatment for this may require nasal dorsal augmentation with either autogenous grafts or alloplastic implants.…”

Rhinosurgery in children: developmental and surgical aspects of the growing nose

“…In an attempt to find answers Sarnat and his co-workers designed and performed several experiments in young growing rabbits. They could demonstrate that resection of the “anterior portion” of the nasal septum (including cartilage and mucosa) resulted in a greatly underdeveloped snout, relative mandibular prognathism and malocclusion of the incisors [52], [53], [54]. It was concluded that the cartilaginous nasal septum is important in growth and development of the “upper face” of the rabbit [55].…”