Once a broken septum has healed, can it be re-broken and set straight after many years?

Question

I broke my septum when I was little. Now I have a deviated septum. It is hard for me to breathe out of my left nostril most of the time. Can an ENT doctor "re-break" the septum and set it straight and put some splints in there to keep it straight while it heals (without removing bone/cartilage)?

Marcelo Ghersi, MD · Answer

There are a host of maneuvers that can be achieved to open the airway in someone that has a deviated septum. Most of the septum is made of cartilage which can be molded to maximize airflow inside the nose.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

A septum that has been fractured from injury or previous surgery can be broken again during surgery and said back straight.  The use of splints during the healing phase can ensure that septum will stay straight after the healing process.RegardsDr. J

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The photograph demonstrates a large bone spur on the septum, also known as a deviated nasal septum. A septoplasty procedure involves removal of the bone spur blocking air flow through the nose. There is no reason to break the septum,  just remove the obstructing bone. In our practice, we do not place any splints or packing inside the nose since they're very uncomfortable

Michael Bublik, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  This is a very common issue and can usually be addressed endoscopically without any external incisions or splints.  Good luck, Dr. Bublik.

J. Charles Finn, MD · Answer

This is a very common problem, and Septoplasty should improve your breathing. Septoplasty involves an internal incision, and moving or removing deviated cartilage and bone. A good surgeon wil preserve as much cartilage as possible. Postoperative splints are sometime used. See a board certified otolaryngologist or double boarded facial plastic surgeon.

Once a broken septum has healed, can it be re-broken and set straight after many years?

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Answer: Septoplasty

Answer: Septoplasty

Answer: Septoplasty

Answer: Septoplasty

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Once a broken septum has healed, can it be re-broken and set straight after many years?

Answers (5)

Answer: Septoplasty

Answer: Septoplasty

Answer: Septoplasty

Answer: Septoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

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