The combination of acoustic rhinometry, rhinoresistometry and flow simulation in noses before and after turbinate surgery: a model study.
BACKGROUND: Especially to young examiners, the interpretation of rhinometric findings seems to be difficult. In order to understand rhinometric assessments precisely, knowledge of airflow behavior in the nose is necessary. We therefore investigated the influence of nasal concha surgery on acoustic rhinometry and rhinoresistometry in a model. METHOD: Six nose models were examined with acoustic rhinometry and rhinoresistometry, each of these models with its lateral wall altered to represent various conditions after nasal concha surgery. Besides, all models were rinsed with water and the flow was visualized for observation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The normal nose presented an even flow distribution over the entire nasal cavity. After nasal concha resection, though, an unfavorable flow course and a strong increase in turbulence were seen. Additionally, flow resistance decreased considerably. In the model with general lateral wall hyperplasia, reduction of the inferior and even of the middle nasal concha showed good functional results. The model revealed a good correlation between the result of flow observation and findings in acoustic rhinometry and rhinoresistometry. Both methods complement one another in their diagnostic outcome.