OBJECTIVE: To compare and measure post-operative outcomes among various surgical techniques for reducing inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH), and to identify the factors associated with the clinical outcomes of turbinoplasty in patients with this condition.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out from January 2021 to December 2022 at the Otorhinolaryngology Department of King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 301 adult patients with ITH were included and were divided into different groups. Postoperative follow-up assessments were completed after one week, one month, and 6 months to evaluate outcomes and complications associated with each surgical technique; descriptive analysis, cross-tabulation, and exact logistic regression were utilized as data analysis methods.
RESULTS: Most patients in both groups experienced partial or complete improvement after surgery, with 92% showing positive outcomes. Common clinical signs included deviated nasal septum deviation and external nasal deformity, while nasal obstruction was most frequently reported as the primary symptom. Post-surgery bleeding occurred in 3.7% of cases; no adhesions were noted. Microdebrider, medial flap, out-fracture, and submucosal diathermy techniques all demonstrated significantly higher improvement rates than others.
CONCLUSIONS: The identified techniques with higher improvement rates offer evidence-based guidance for selecting optimal surgical approaches, while the study\'s limitations warrant further prospective research to validate these findings. Ultimately, it contributes valuable knowledge to the field of otorhinolaryngology, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and improve the management of ITH worldwide.

Decongestion reduces blood flow in the nasal turbinates, enlarging the airway lumen. Although the enlarged airspace reduces the trans-nasal inspiratory pressure drop, symptoms of nasal obstruction may relate to nasal cavity air-conditioning. Thus, it is necessary to quantify the efficiency of nasal cavity conditioning of the inhaled air. This study quantifies both overall and regional nasal air-conditioning in a cohort of 10 healthy subjects using computational fluid dynamics simulations before and after nasal decongestion. The 3D virtual geometry model was segmented from magnetic resonance images (MRI). Each subject was under two MRI acquisitions before and after the decongestion condition. The effects of decongestion on nasal cavity air conditioning efficiency were modelled at two inspiratory flowrates: 15 and 30 L min-1 to represent restful and light exercise conditions. Results show inhaled air was both heated and humidified up to 90% of alveolar conditions at the posterior septum. The air-conditioning efficiency of the nasal cavity remained nearly constant between nostril and posterior septum but dropped significantly after posterior septum. In summary, nasal cavity decongestion not only reduces inhaled air added heat by 23% and added moisture content by 19%, but also reduces the air-conditioning efficiency by 35% on average.

Objective: To investigate the correlations between subjective nasal patency, nasal valve area size and aerodynamic parameters in normal nasal cavity by means of numerical simulation, and to explore the effect of nasal valve on nasal subjective sensation and nasal airflow regulation. Methods: A total of 52 healthy participants (31 males and 21 females) with the average age of 37.8 years, were recruited from the outpatient Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Ninth People\'s Hospital Affiliated to the Medical College of Shanghai Jiao Tong University between January and August 2023. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for unilateral nasal subjective sensation were obtained from all participants. Additionally, the aerodynamic characteristics of inspiratory airflow were simulated. A correlation matrix analysis was conducted to identify the correlation strength between these subjective and objective parameters. Results: VAS scores showed negative correlations with unilateral nasal valve cross-sectional area (r=-0.85, P<0.01) and unilateral intranasal airflow (r=-0.57, P<0.01), and was a positive correlation with unilateral nasal resistance (NR) at the front-end of inferior turbinate (r=0.61, P<0.01). The average cross-sectional area of unilateral nasal valve was (0.85±0.35) cm2. The cross-sectional area of unilateral nasal valve was negatively correlated with unilateral NR (r=-0.50, P<0.01), and positively correlated with unilateral nasal airflow (r=0.61, P<0.01). The NR at the nasal valve area accounted for (40.41±23.54)% of the total unilateral NR. Nearly half of the unilateral NR [(46.74±21.38)%] and air warming [(49.96±10.02)%] occurring before the front end of inferior turbinate were achieved. Conclusions: The nasal valve area plays a crucial role in influencing nasal NR, unilateral nasal airflow, and changes in nasal airflow temperature. Moreover, it is associated with subjective perception of nasal patency.
目的： 通过数值模拟研究正常鼻腔中鼻腔主观通畅感、鼻瓣区大小和气流动力学参数之间的相关关系，探讨鼻瓣区对鼻主观通畅感和鼻腔气流的影响作用。 方法： 2023年1—8月于上海交通大学医学院附属第九人民医院耳鼻咽喉头颈外科门诊选取52名健康受试者，其中男性31名，女性21名，平均年龄37.8岁。对受试者进行鼻主观通畅感视觉模拟量表（Visual Analog Scale，VAS）评分（双侧分别评分），运用数值模拟分析计算静息吸气状态下气流的动力学参数，通过统计学相关性矩阵分析这些主观和客观参数之间的相关程度。 结果： VAS评分与单侧鼻瓣区截面积（r=-0.85，P<0.01）和单侧鼻内气流（r=-0.57，P<0.01）呈负相关，与单侧下鼻甲前端鼻阻力（nasal resistance，NR）呈正相关（r=0.61，P<0.01）。单侧鼻瓣区横截面积为（0.85±0.35）cm2（x¯±s，后同），与单侧鼻腔NR呈中等程度负相关（r=-0.50，P<0.01），与单侧鼻气流量呈正相关（r=0.61，P<0.01）。鼻瓣区NR占全部单侧鼻腔NR的（40.41±23.54）%，近一半的单侧NR［（46.74±21.38）%］和鼻腔加温效率［（49.96±10.02）%］存在于下鼻甲前端之前。 结论： 鼻瓣区可影响鼻腔NR、单侧鼻内气流量和鼻腔气流温度变化，并与鼻腔主观通畅感存在关联。.

OBJECTIVE: Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is an underdiagnosed but burdensome clinical condition. Studies that have addressed the impact of remnant inferior turbinate volume (ITV) on ENS are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the impact of ITV and phenotyping on the severity and presentation of ENS.
METHODS: All the enrolled patients underwent the following subjective assessments: the ENS 6-Item Questionnaire (ENS6Q), Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-25 (SNOT-25), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The ITV was obtained from finely cut (1-mm-thick slices) sino-nasal computed tomography scan images and analyzed using ImageJ. The correlation between ITV, subjective measurements, and morphology of inferior turbinates was evaluated. ENS was categorized as torpedo type (balanced tissue volume) or pistol type (posterior dominance) based on the morphology.
RESULTS: Overall, 54 patients met the inclusion criteria. The ITV was positively correlated with the ENS6Q score and domain of ENS symptoms in SNOT-25. Neither BDI-II nor BAI scores had a significant correlation with ITV. Based on their morphological classification, the torpedo type exhibited diverse manifestations in the SNOT-25 analysis in response to changes in ITV, while the pistol type demonstrated an elevated rhinologic symptom burden and ENS-specific symptoms as their ITV increased. Nasal resistance did not correlate with the ITV in either type of ENS.
CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms were paradoxically worse in ENS patients with greater remnant ITV, and distinct morphological phenotypes in the nasal cavities may result in different presentations. Further investigation into the correlation between remnant inferior turbinates and nerve function is warranted.
METHODS: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:3060-3066, 2024.

CONCLUSIONS: An unfavorable insertion of the middle turbinate for cryotherapy was present in 74.2% of cases. Placing cryoprobe 15-30 mm above the nasal floor targets the nerves in 95.8% of cases. Centering the cryoprobe 38 mm behind the inferior turbinate axilla targets the nerves in 94.6% of cases.

The relationship between postoperative morphological changes in the inferior nasal cavity and inferior turbinate after Le Fort I osteotomy remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate how the bone volume of the inferior turbinate affects contact with the inferior nasal cavity of patients who underwent superior repositioning. We evaluated the 3-dimensional relationship between the anatomical changes in the inferior nasal passage before and after surgery in 51 patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy with an elevation of >4.0 mm in the first molar. The soft tissue and bone volumes of the inferior turbinate and airway volume of the inferior nasal passage were calculated using Proplan CMF 3.0 and compared according to the size of the bone volume of the inferior turbinate. In addition, we reclassified the maxillary movements in the pitch direction and compared the results. The contact rates of the postoperative inferior nasal airway and the inferior turbinate in the large-bone group was 72.3% and that in the small-bone group was 40.0% in the χ2 test. The reduction in the inferior nasal passage volume was significantly greater in the large-bone group (pitch+) than in the small-bone group (pitch+). For patients with well-developed bony tissue of the inferior turbinate, caution is advised if the maxillary elevation is ≥4.0 mm, because the possibility of postoperative obstruction of the inferior nasal passages exist, which may lead to deterioration of nasal ventilation.

CONCLUSIONS: Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is characterized by a patent nasal airway and a sense of nasal obstruction. ENS and psychological symptoms improved after surgery and remained stable for up to three years. Identifying residual disease is necessary for enhancing therapeutic outcomes in ENS patients.

OBJECTIVE: The inferior and middle turbinates have crucial roles in nasal function, but their enlargement can cause obstructive effects, which can lead to breathing difficulties, sleep and smell disorders, and headaches. Partial turbinectomy is a common surgical technique used to address this issue during septorhinoplasty, but it carries risks such as empty nose syndrome. A clinical trial was designed to evaluate the functional outcomes of middle and inferior partial turbinectomy with a holistic approach.
METHODS: Patients with NOSE questionnaire scores of 30 or higher, and grade 4 inferior turbinates and/or advanced middle concha bullosa were included. Patients completed questionnaires related to breathing, empty nose syndrome, headache, and olfaction preoperatively and at one-month, three-month, six-month, and first-year periods postoperatively. The partial excisions of the inferior and middle turbinates were carried out with serrated scissors while trying to preserve adequate turbinate size to maintain function.
RESULTS: This study found that NOSE scores, headache frequency, and severity improved postoperatively. The olfactory-related quality of life of the patients with impairments in this area significantly improved found to be improved at all postoperative evaluations. None of the patients experienced prolonged bleeding requiring surgical intervention. No cases of anosmia and empty nose syndrome were reported.
CONCLUSIONS: Partial turbinectomy of middle and inferior turbinates during septorhinoplasty can alleviate symptoms of turbinate hypertrophy, such as breathing issues, olfactory disorders, and headaches. It is an easy, reliable, and efficient surgical maneuver. Proper technique can minimize the risk of empty nose syndrome and other complications of turbinectomy surgery.
METHODS: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how the results of nasal computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations change due to inferior turbinate surgery and how the results correlate with patient specific subjective assessment and volumetric results in the nasal cavities.
METHODS: The steady inspiratory airflow of 25 patients was studied pre- and postoperatively with heat transfer from the mucous membrane by performing CFD calculations to patient-specific nasal cone beam computed tomography images. These results were then compared to the severity of the patients\' nasal obstruction Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Glasgow Health Status Inventory assessments, and acoustic rhinometry measurements.
RESULTS: Total wall shear forces decreased statistically significantly (p < 0.01) in the operated parts of the inferior turbinates. Patients\' subjective nasal obstruction VAS assessment changes between the pre- and postoperative conditions correlated statistically significantly (p = 0.04) with the wall shear force results.
CONCLUSIONS: Inferior turbinate surgery lead to decreased total wall shear force values postoperatively. Changes in subjective nasal obstruction VAS results against total wall shear force changes between the pre- and postoperative conditions were statistically significant. CFD data have a potential to be used for the evaluation of nasal airflow.

UNASSIGNED: To our knowledge, the spatial access of naris to olfactory cleft has not been quantified. We aimed to study the relationship and space of middle turbinate, septum, anterior nasal spine and cribriform plate to improve topical medication delivery and drug applicators.
UNASSIGNED: One hundred CT scans of patients (50 males, 50 females) over the age of 18 were included. Subjects with radiographic sinonasal pathology, previous surgery, or specific variant nasal anatomy were excluded. Scans were independently reviewed and bilateral measurements on bony landmarks were taken by two blinded authors. Inter-rater reliability was analysed with intraclass correlation.
UNASSIGNED: The average age was 46.26 years (σ = 14.0). Average distance from the anterior nasal spine to olfactory cleft was 52.3 mm (σ = 4.2 mm), and the average length of cribriform plate was 18.8 mm (σ = 3.8) with an angle relative to hard palate averaging -8.8 degrees below parallel (σ = 5.5 degree). The widths of the olfactory cleft at anterior and posterior edges of cribriform plate were 2.3 mm (σ = 0.7 mm) and 2.0 mm (σ = 0.7 mm).
UNASSIGNED: The findings suggest a 52.3 mm distance from the naris to the anterior border of cribriform plate. The average width along this path was 3.2 mm, suggesting devices narrower than this could potentiate direct drug delivery access.
Analisi spaziale dell’accesso transnasale alla fessura olfattoria: uno studio di tomografia computerizzata.
UNASSIGNED: Per quanto di nostra conoscenza, lo spazio di accesso dalla narice alla fessura olfattoria non è mai stato quantificato. Il nostro obiettivo è l’analisi delle relazioni spaziali tra turbinato medio, setto, spina nasale anteriore e lamina cribra per migliorare la somministrazione di farmaci topici ed i dispositivi per la loro nebulizzazione.
UNASSIGNED: Le tomografie computerizzate di 100 pazienti maggiorenni (50 uomini e 50 donne) sono state incluse nello studio. I soggetti con segni radiologici di patologia nasosinusale, precedente chirurgia, o con specifiche varianti anatomiche sono stati esclusi. Le immagini sono state revisionate in maniera indipendente da due autori, e le distanze tra specifici punti ossei sono state misurate. L’attendibilità inter-operatore è stata analizzata con il coefficiente di correlazione intraclassi.
UNASSIGNED: L’età media era 46,26 anni (σ = 14,0). La distanza media tra la spina nasale anteriore e la fessura olfattoria è stata di 52,3 mm (σ = 4,2 mm), la lunghezza media della fessura olfattoria è stata di 18,8 mm (σ = 3,8) con un angolo relativo al palato duro di -8,8 gradi sotto il parallelo (σ = 5,5 gradi). Le larghezze della fessura olfattoria ai bordi anteriore e posteriore della lamina cribra sono state di 2,3 mm (σ = 0,7 mm) e 2,0 mm (σ = 0,7 mm).
UNASSIGNED: I dati ottenuti indicano una distanza di 52,3 mm dalla narice al bordo anteriore della lamina cribriforme. La larghezza media lungo questo passaggio è stata di 3,2 mm, suggerendo che dispositivi più stretti di questa misura potrebbero favorire la distribuzione diretta del farmaco in questa regione.