Korean J Phys Anthropol.  2008 Mar;21(1):13-20.

Anatomical and Radiologic Analysis of Keystone Area of Korean Nose

• Kim IS
• Chung YJ
• Lee YI

Abstract

The keystone area of nose is a clinically important structure for maintaining the stability of dorsum of nose. However, anthropometric data for individual structure constituting the keystone area were less studied. Dissections of external nose were performed in 12 cadavers for measuring the length and width of structural components of keystone area. Shape of nasal bones and the overlap area between upper lateral cartilage and nasal bonewere classified. Measurements of the keystone area were also performed in 380 MRI and PACS images. Types of the caudal margin of nasal bone were classified as follows; type A: flat margin, type B: M shape, type C: extended midline, type D: retracted midline. Types of overlapped portion between upper lateral cartilage and nasal bone were categorized as follows; type Ao: flat midline, type Bo: short elongated midline, type Co: long elongated midline. Overlap length of upper lateral cartilage with nasal bone was 4~9 mm (mean 6.5 mm)in the midline, 0~4.5 mm (mean 2.7 mm)in the paramedian area of nasal bone. Overlapped width of upper lateral cartilage with nasal bone was 8~14 mm(mean 9.7 mm). Individual component of the keystone area has various shape and overlapped length. Therefore, cautious preoperative and intraoperative evaluation of each component is necessary for a safe nasal surgery.

Keyword

Keystone area; Nasal septum; Nasal bone; Rhinoplasty

MeSH Terms

Cadaver
Cartilage
Nasal Bone
Nasal Septum
Nasal Surgical Procedures
Nose
Rhinoplasty