How easily can upper lateral cartilage be disarticulated from the nasal bones?

Question

I was feeling my 18 month old daughters nose trying to figure out why it appeared asymmetrical. She fell out of her swing as an infant and although there didn't appear to be any injury at the time I'm now wondering if something had happened. So i was feeling her nose at the junction of upper lateral cartilage and bone with a small or moderate amount of pressure. I heard a little tiny sound kind of like a pop. The next day there appeared to be a tiny purple spot there. Could i have detached it?

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

It is typically very difficult to separate the upper lateral cartilage from the nasal bone. I recommend that you not worry about this and enjoy your daughter the way she is. I am sure she is perfect in every way except for the subtle asymmetry in her nose. You've not harmed her. When she reaches the age of 16 or older she can assess her nose and decide if she is comfortable with it. In the meantime, rest assured that you haven't caused her any issues whatsoever. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Jawed Tahery, FRCS · Answer

Thanksit will need significant force to cause this deformity !In the context of Rhinoplasty rigorous rasping can cause this,  leading to an an inverted V deformity! BWJ TaheryOtolaryngologist /Facial Plastic SurgeonChesterUK

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It usually takes a fair amount of force to disarticulate the upper lateral cartilage off of the nasal bone. It can occur on either one side or both sides.  When it occurs on both sides, an inverted V. deformity is present. The treatment for disarticulated upper lateral cartilages to place a spreader graft underneath the concave upper lateral cartilage.  For many examples and more information, please see the video and the link below

How easily can upper lateral cartilage be disarticulated from the nasal bones?

Answers (3)