[Note: The dissector may wish to mark the site of the proposed osteotomy on the skin be - fore proceeding. Perform the lateral osteotomy on one side, and then reflect the skin/soft-tissue envelope laterally to examine it. Is it in proper position'? Is the periosteum intact, or has it been violated'? Is the mucoperiosteum intact?

After assessing the first lateral osteotomy, the skin of the opposite side may be reflected before the osteotomy. This will allow observation of the osteotomy under direct vision.]

The lateral osteotomies run from the most lateral point of the pyriform aperture to a point medial to the inner canthus of the eye, taking a high to low to high path. In practice, this means a starting point 3 mm to 4 mm above the base of the pyriform aperture and adjacent to the head of the inferior- turbinate. The high-to-low lateral osteotomy preserves a small triangle of bone at the base of the pyriform aperture (Fig. 2). Use a 2-mm (unguarded) or 3-mm (guarded or unguarded) curved or flat osteotome. Use a guarded or unguarded os­teotome based on preference.

Make a small incision near the base of the pyriform aperture. Although it is not essen­tial, many surgeons create a short subperiosteal tunnel along the path of the proposed lat­eral osteotomy. Seat the osteotome on the bone 3 nun to 4 mm above the base of the pyri­form aperture, and use a gentle two-tap technique to advance the osteotome gradually. Angle the osteotome in a posterior and cephalic direction initially, and then adjust the os ­teotome so that the cutting edge travels toward a point medial to the inner canthus of the eye. This creates the typical high-to-low-to-high lateral osteotomy. Control the cutting edge by palpation with the thumb or fingers of the nondominant hand as the osteotome travels toward the inner canthus. When the osteotome approaches the level of the inner canthus, rotate the osteotome clockwise on the patient's right side and counterclockwise on the left side. This will normally fracture the nasal bone inward creating a controlled backfracture. It may be necessary to complete the fracture with thumb pressure.

Figure 1. Fading medial osteotomies. Place an osteotome flat against the septum with the edge facing laterally. Control the sharp leading edge of the chisel, as it moves under the skin, with the forefinger of the nondominant hand. Avoid the thick frontal bone.

Figure 2. Lateral osteotomies should be started from a point 3 mm to 4 mm above the base of the pyriform aperture to a point adjacent to the inner canthus of the eye. Some rhino­ plasty surgeons find it helpful to mark the proposed line of the osteotomy on the skin before executing this maneuver.

NOTE: CLICK HERE for information regarding privacy of your medical information. Additionally, all website users must agree to the terms and conditions of this site. Please CLICK HERE to review terms of use.