ASSESSMENT OF NASAL SIDEWALL BONE HEIGHT CHANGES FOLLOWING PIEZOELECTRIC AND CONVENTIONAL OSTEOTOMY TECHNIQUES: A CT-BASED AND CLINICAL FOLLOW-UP STUDY

Yunus Emre TOPAN, Ramazan YAVUZ, Faruk Kadri BAKKAL

European Journal of Rhinology and Allergy - 2026;9(2):112-118

Usak University, Medical Faculty, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Usak, Türkiye

 

Objective: We aimed to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of piezoelectric and conventional osteotomy techniques used during septorhinoplasty, with particular emphasis on nasal sidewall bone height, osteotomy line characteristics, symmetry, patient satisfaction, and revision requirements. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients who underwent primary septorhinoplasty between January 2023 and December 2025. Patients were divided into two groups based on the osteotomy technique used: piezoelectric osteotomy and conventional osteotome-assisted osteotomy. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were analyzed to measure nasal sidewall bone height, osteotomy line length, and sidewall symmetry. Clinical outcomes were assessed through standardized photographic analysis, patient-reported satisfaction questionnaires, complication rates, and revision surgery requirements. Follow-up duration ranged from 6 to 12 months. Results: A total of 48 patients were included (Piezo group: 24; Conventional group: 24). Postoperative CT analysis demonstrated significantly improved osteotomy precision and sidewall symmetry in the piezo group compared with the conventional group (p<0.05). Bone height reduction was more controlled and symmetrical in patients undergoing piezoelectric osteotomy. Early postoperative edema and ecchymosis scores were significantly lower in the piezo group. Patient satisfaction scores were higher, while revision rates were lower compared with the conventional osteotomy group. However, operative time was significantly longer in the piezo group. Conclusion: Both techniques produced satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes. However, piezoelectric osteotomy demonstrated superior radiological precision, improved symmetry, reduced soft tissue trauma, and higher patient satisfaction. CT-based evaluation of osteotomy morphology may provide valuable objective information regarding long-term rhinoplasty outcomes.