Facial Plast Surg 2007; 23(4): 239-243
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-995816
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Treatment of Septal Hematomas and Abscesses in Children

Dirk Jan Menger1 , Ivar Tabink1 , Gilbert J. Nolst Trenité1
  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Center for Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 December 2007 (online)

ABSTRACT

The cartilaginous part of the nasal septum of a child with a septal hematoma or abscess is at risk of destruction. Consequently, the noses of these children can collapse, causing a saddle nose deformity, and in time, the normal outgrowth of both the nose and maxilla will be disturbed. In adulthood, they will have an underdeveloped saddle nose deformity with too much upward rotation of the nasal tip and a retroposition of the midface. Sequelae like these should be prevented by prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention. In this article, the management of septal hematomas and abscesses is discussed with special focus on reconstruction of destructed septal cartilage with the use of autologous cartilage grafts fixed to a polydioxanon plate.

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D. J. MengerM.D. 

Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Center for Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands