Morphometric analysis of the nasal septum in normal Chinese individuals using a three-dimensional model of the nasal septum with facial CT scanning

Objectives: Three-dimensional (3D) models were reconstructed based on computed tomography (CT) scan data and to analyze the morphometric characteristics of the nasal septum in Chinese individuals. Methods: Ninety-six healthy adults aged 20-83 years old without confirmed nasal disorders were enrolled in this study from 2014 to 2015. 3D models of the nasal septum were reconstructed based on their CT scan data, and 7 indices were used for the evaluation of the spacial structure of the nasal septum. Results: Data of the nasal septum revealed larger nasal septum volumes in males than those in females (P<0.01). The ratio of the cartilage volume to the total septal volume significantly decreased with age (P=0.010), whereas the ratio of the vomer volume to the total volume significantly increased with age (P=0.018). There were no significant correlations of the nasal septum with age (P=0.666) and gender (P=0.55). Conclusions: The reconstructed 3D model of the nasal septum demonstrates that the septal volume was larger in males than in females, and the ratio of vomer volume and cartilage volume to total septal volume changed with age, which may provide a reference for clinical treatment.