Does turbinate outfracture carry the same amount of risks as other turbinate reduction procedures? Is it minimally invasive?

Out fracture of the turbinates is a relatively minimally invasive procedure was compared to other treatments for the turbinates.

CharlesH85,I'm glad that your symptoms have improved since your turbinate reduction surgery.      A turbinate outfracturing procedure is a conservative and minimally invasive procedure with a relatively low risk factors.  The function of the out fracture is to make room for more airflow in the nose.  The best way to evaluate which procedure would work best is to go back to your original surgeon for evaluation, or you can opt for a second opinion from another board certified otolaryngologist.  Best of luck!Dr. Edween

Turbinate out fracturing is one of the most benign forms of treatment for treatment of enlarged turbinates. The biggest risk is that the treatment is not aggressive enough and the obstruction is not relieved sufficiently. Resection of the turbinates can have bleeding post operatively and if over done produce dryness and smelling issues that are hard to fix. Our fracture is fine. Good luck.

The best answer for you depends entirely on your physical examination, allergy history, recovery from previous turbinate reduction etc. An outfracture of the turbinate is relatively safe and easy. It allows the bony attachment of the turbinate to be physically moved to the side of the nose permitting improved space in the nasal cavity. However, if your turbinate demonstrates significant hypertrophy, this alone may not always help. Preservation of turbinate function and appropriate volume is the key to a successful outcome. Cautery, coblation, laser, microdebrider and aggressive resection may have serious risks. However, conservative reduction via techniques first described by Richard Mabry, Dallas Texas, seem to help the vast majority of patients with enlarged turbinates. Either outfracture or Mabry turbinoplasty may be your safest choice. Make sure that your septum is straight and that you do not suffer with nasal valve collapse as these problems require more than just turbinate reduction. Best Wishes.