%0 Journal Article
%T Functional evaluation of Septal L-strut extension graft in East Asians.
%A Kim SB
%A Baik SH
%A Lee KI
%A Dhong ES
%A Jeong SH
%A Han SK
%J J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg
%V 94
%N 0
%D 2024 Jul 8
%M 38810358
%F 3.022
%R 10.1016/j.bjps.2024.05.010
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>The septal L-strut extension graft (SLEG) consists of anterior extended spreader graft and caudal septal extension graft. SLEG is used to increase the anterocaudal projection from a low-profile nose by creating the de-novo septum. This retrospective study verified the effectiveness of SLEG in improving the nasal function in East Asians.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Medical records of patients who underwent septorhinoplasty with SLEG were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical features showed under-projected lower two-thirds of the nose with septal deviation, saddle nose, and short nose. We analyzed the post-operative changes in the NOSE score and variables of nasal geometry measured using acoustic rhinometry through long-term follow-up.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Patients were divided into two groups, those who underwent SLEG with turbinoplasty (Group A) and SLEG alone (group B). The NOSE scores decreased significantly in groups A and B, and the improvement was statistically more significant in Group A (p < 0.05). Acoustic rhinometry showed an increase in nasal cavity volume (VOL1) on the deviated side in Group A, and an increase in minimal cross-sectional area 1 (MCA1) on the deviated side in Group B (p < 0.05). The non-deviated side did not show significant reduction in MCA1 and VOL1 after SLEG with or without turbinoplasty. Thus, SLEG, by itself, improved airway function in East Asians.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>SLEG has proven to be valuable in improving nasal function.