Nasal osteotomies: a cadaveric study of fracture lines.

[IMPORTANCE] The different nasal osteotomy patterns used to perform rhinoplasty are poorly described in the literature, and there is a continuous debate between surgeons on the ideal sequence and technique to obtain desired results.

[OBJECTIVES] (1) To evaluate the necessity of a paramedian osteotomy when performing a high-low-high (HLH) osteotomy, (2) to study the fracture pattern of a high-low-low (HLL) osteotomy when combined with a paramedian osteotomy in the presence and in the absence of a transverse osteotomy, and (3) to evaluate the mobility of the central segment (located between the paramedian osteotomies) after digital pressure and the ideal osteotomy to mobilize it if needed.

[DESIGN AND SETTING] This was a prospective cadaveric study performed in the dissection laboratory in our tertiary referral center.

[EXPOSURE] Twenty cadavers were divided in 2 groups of 10. Group A had a paramedian osteotomy combined with an HLH osteotomy on 1 side and an HLH osteotomy alone on the other side. Group B had a paramedian combined with a transverse osteotomy followed by HLL osteotomy on 1 side. On the other side, we performed a paramedian combined with an HLL osteotomy. Finally, we evaluated the mobility of the central segment in group B, first with digital manipulation and then with a transverse osteotomy.

[MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE] The 3 authors evaluated individually the different fracture patterns. A result was considered successful when (1) the fracture followed the desired pattern, (2) a continuous line was obtained, and (3) a complete mobilization of the nasal segment was visualized.

[RESULTS] In group A, the side without a paramedian osteotomy had more unstable and greenstick fractures than the other side (P < .001). In group B, the side with a transverse osteotomy had more reliable and stable fractures than the other side (P < .05). Digital manipulation alone was not enough to mobilize the central segment in 8 of the 10 cadavers studied.

[CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE] Following this study we make the following suggestions: (1) to perform a paramedian osteotomy when an HLH osteotomy is needed, (2) to perform a transverse osteotomy before an HLL osteotomy when combined with paramedian osteotomy, and (3) to manipulate the central segment with a transverse osteotomy in order to mobilize it in a safe and predictable manner.

[LEVEL OF EVIDENCE] NA.