X-ray tomographical observations of the interrelationships among structures of the nasal airway.

In order to elucidate upon the interrelationships among the different structures in and around the nasal cavity, the noses of 95 adults without severe rhinitis, paranasal sinusitis, cysts or tumors were examined by means of X-ray tomography. The results indicate a close correlation between the width of the nasal cavity and 1) the width of the maxillary sinus, 2) the size, form and height of the inferior turbinate, 3) the size of the middle turbinate or 4) the nasal septal deviation; between the height of the nasal cavity and the length and height of the inferior turbinate or the length of the middle turbinate, and also between the degree of septal deviation and the width of the nasal cavity, the nasal meatus or olfactory slit or the form of the inferior turbinate. In conclusion, it is recognized that correction of the abnormal interrelationships among the different structures is important for functional nasal surgery.