Are X-rays required for deviated septum surgery?

X-rays are actually of very limited value. A better study to evaluate the nasal bones after trauma would be a CT scan. However, this exposes you to unnecessary radiation and does not contribute to the treatment. Broken noses are most often a clinical diagnosis made based on the evaluation of your nose inside and out and your history of injury. When patients are referred to me for nasal fractures and they come with an X-ray, I always review it after seeing the patient. This has never changed my initial treatment plan. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

 A plain x-ray is only performed in our practice when a patient has  had a very recent nasal fracture. After one month the bone heals and that x-ray will not show anything. The diagnosis of a deviated septum is made upon examination of the internal portion of the nose. When patient's have chronic sinusitis, a CAT scan of the sinuses is performed which can also help evaluate and document a deviated septum.

Hello.  As always, the definitive answer rests with an in-person consultation.  Generally speaking, a deviated septum is made on examination.  Hope this is helpful.