Morphological consequences of lateral outfracture of the inferior turbinate

Objective: We report three cases of lateral outfracture of the inferior turbinate, which demonstrate a range of changes in the size, position and shape of the inferior turbinate.<br/><br/>Method: During a study of the validity of computer modelling of nasal airflow, computed tomography scans of the noses of patients who had undergone lateral outfracture of the inferior turbinate were collected. The pre-operative scan was compared with the post-operative scan six weeks later.<br/><br/>Results: In one patient, there was only a small lateral displacement of the inferior turbinate. In the other two cases, appreciable reduction in the volume of one inferior turbinate was noted, in addition to minor changes in the shape.<br/><br/>Conclusion: Lateral outfracture of the inferior turbinate produces varied and inconsistent changes in morphology which may affect the shape, size and position of the turbinate.