Saddle nose deformity is also known as a Pug Nose or Boxer’s Nose. This is a condition where the nose becomes deformed due to a number of reasons, which you will read about. The conditions that lead to this deformity perforate or weaken the nasal septum, thereby ruining the natural state of the nose. Trauma, a bad nasal cosmetic surgery, congenital syphilis, and Wegener’s granulomatosis are some of the main causes of saddle nose deformity. The depressions that cause this condition are located in the cartilaginous area of the nose, the bony area or right across the osteocartilaginous extension. In simple terms, when one gets saddle nose deformity, the bridge of the nose collapses and assumes the shape of a saddle.
Symptoms of Saddle Nose Deformity
The twisting of the nasal septa and other irregularities cause the nose to have a deformed saddle shape, depressions or dorsal humps. One of the most difficult septa to treat is the caudal septum, and they can lead to the deformation of the lower third of the nose.
When you have absent or crooked cartilage, the result is the loss of the support mechanism of the tip of the nose. This leads to Tip Ptosis also known as under-projection of the nose. If a patient has a deviated nasal septum, the result is collu-mellar irregularities which also lead to this condition.
Causes
Saddle nose deformity can be caused by many factors, which are divided into three distinct categories; these are classified according to their severity as mild, moderate and severe.
- Mild saddle nose deformity – In this case, the collapse is very mild, with the node having a slightly flattened and wide nasal dorsum. It will have micro pits and an unnatural radians.
- Moderate saddle nose deformity – The collapse is obvious, and the bridge is very wide. The nasal tip stays flat, and the length of the nose is shorter. The nose may also seem to point in the air.
- Severe saddle nose deformity – There is a severe depression of the nasal dorsum. There is an obvious deformity of the nasal structure and septum.
The individual causes of saddle nose deformity are vast and varied. Here are some of the most common:
- Congenital Malformation – these are deformities of the nose which occur on the baby after it is born. These are brought about by exposure to several factors during the early months of the pregnancy.
- Drug Abuse – People who snort cocaine develop saddle nose deformity.
- Genetic factors – One may simply be born with this condition.
- Sexually transmitted diseases – if the mother has syphilis, then there is a chance of the baby getting a saddle nose deformity.
- Tumors – tumors growing in the nasal passage can cause it to deform.
- Physical trauma – These are caused by accidents and sports such as boxing.
- Botched nose surgery – some cosmetic nasal procedures can go wrong and result in saddle nose deformity.
- Inflammation of the skin’s fatty skin glands – these can cause deformation of the nose.
- Leprosy and skin tuberculosis (Lupus Vulgaris)
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) – When a mother consumes alcohol during pregnancy, she exposes the child to a number of congenital conditions, and saddle nose deformity is one of them.
Treatment of Saddle Nose Deformity (Repair)
The treatment of saddle nose deformity will depend on the main cause of the condition. The treatment involves medication and/or surgery.
Medication
Medications such as steroids and antibiotics are used to treat saddle nose deformity that is caused by a disease. When a parent has syphilis, the baby is given antibiotics immediately after birth, so he or she does not develop saddle nose. Unfortunately, the success rate for this type of treatment is quite low. Only in a few cases will the nose correct itself as the baby grows. In
In the case of Wegener Granulomatosis, the patients are treated to steroids which stop the progression of the disease.
Surgery
This is the most common treatment for saddle nose deformity. The procedures are vast and varied depending on the diagnosis of the problem. In cases of genetic saddle nose deformity, the patient may go though surgery to separate the upper lateral cartilage tissue, and then using a number of grafts to lift the nose. In cases where the condition is brought about by trauma, the same grafting may be used.
Other forms of reconstructive surgical procedures are used on a case-by-case basis. Basically the doctor will observe and diagnose the saddle nose and then see which the best surgical procedure to use is. The surgical procedures can be done under local or general anesthesia depending on the severity of the deformation. X-rays of the nose are taken so the surgeon can determine the best way to go about the surgery.
Saddle Nose – Pictures
