Efficiency–Efficacy Assessment of External Lateral Osteotomy Technique Versus Internal One in the Rhinoplasty

In this study we aimed to compare external lateral osteotomy technique vs. internal one in the rhinoplasty. In this before-after clinical trial study 30 patients who were candidates for rhinoplasty involved. In each patient, external lateral osteotomy was performed on one side and internal lateral osteotomy was performed on the other side randomly. Information, including patients’ age, sex, grade of edema and ecchymosis 1, 3, and 7 days after the surgery, and the type of lateral osteotomy, the amount of step deformity, the need for the specialist intervention, nasal bone mobility, and flail nasal bone was recorded and analyzed. The incidence of edema and ecchymosis on the first and the third day was statistically lower in the external method ( P value < 0.001). Although the incidence of edema and ecchymosis on the seventh day was lower in the external method, it was not statistically significant ( P value > 0.05). Forty seven percent of patients in the internal method and 36% of patients in the external method had step deformity ( p value < 0.001). Fifty percent of patients in the internal method and 41% of patients in the external method needed the specialist intervention ( p value > 0.05). Seventy four of patients in the internal method and 83% of patients in the external method had nasal bone mobility ( p value > 0.05). Out of 30 patients, only one had flail nasal bone. Based on our findings, the external technique is suggested as a more effective and convenient method with less complications for inexperienced surgeons.