Overcorrected Septum as a Complication of Septoplasty

Abstract

Background

After septoplasty, the rhinologic surgeon often encounters an unexpected deviation of the septum toward the side contralateral to the initial deflection, a phenomenon which we would call an overcorrection.

Methods

To investigate the incidence of overcorrected septum, we assessed the incidence of overcorrection in different age groups by reviewing medical records.

Results

Of 1124 patients, 22 (2.0%) showed occurrence of overcorrection after septoplasty. The incidence of overcorrection was 7.3% (16/218) in subjects aged 10 to 19, 1.7% (5/294) in their twenties, 0.4% (1/250) in their thirties, and 0% in the older ages.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that the risk of overcorrection following septoplasty is particularly higher in the younger patient group.