The Nasal and Nasoseptal Compartment

The nasal bones and cartilages are cradled by three of the seven craniomaxillofacial buttresses of the midface that arise from the palatal platform. As such, the anterior medial buttresses (the frontal processes of the maxilla), the posterior sagittal buttress (vomer-sphenoidal-frontal buttress), and palate (see Chapter 4) form a triangulated platform on which the nasal bones and nasal cartilages reside. As noted in Chapter 1, Cryer considered the posterior sagittal buttress to be a “flying” buttress, spanning the palate and cranial base to support the floor of the sphenoid sinus.

The nasal-nasoseptal compartment is further divided into subcompartments or vaults: lower vault (I), middle vault (II), and upper vault (III). Each vault contains a defined portion of the nasal septum.10 An inferior strut of cartilage is in the lower vault, and the cartilaginous midseptum is included in and is continuous with both lateral nasal cartilages. The superior strut and adjacent bone of the ethmoid plate are beneath the nasal bones in the upper vault. The latter ascends to the base of the cribriform plate ( Fig. 7.3 ).

In the distal vault (I) are the greater alar cartilages, the septal angle, and the caudal strut of the nasal septum.

In the middle compartment (II) are the lateral nasal cartilages, the septal dorsal strut, and a thin, central partition of cartilage that rests on the maxillary crest. In the proximal vault (III) are the nasal bones, the thickened superior strut of septal cartilage, and the keel-like vomer.

The cartilaginous struts (caudal, dorsal, and superior) and a thin central partition are depicted. The lateral nasal cartilages, dorsal strut, and central partition are in continuity in the mid-septum (middle vault). The superior strut in the upper vault is thick relative to other areas of the septum and is embryo-logically in continuity with the ethmoid plate. The superior strut and the underlying vomer are “key” structures11 in the event of trauma to the upper vault of the nose ( Fig. 7.4 ).

A fascial aponeurosis, the domal suspensory ligament, interconnects the alar cartilaginous components and anchors the lower vault to proximal structures. The fascial sleeve is Y-shaped and envelops the greater and minor cartilages, sweeping from lateral to medial. The portion of fascia that anchors the lower vault to the underlapping lateral cartilage is lax and delicate. In other areas, particularly between tip-identifying points (the domes and columellar jut), the fascia is thick and tendinous10 ^– 13 ( Fig. 7.5 ).

The upper border of each nasal bone is deeply serrated for articulation with the nasal notch of the frontal bone at the base of the frontal boss. The inferior margin of the nasal bone is thin and gives attachment on its undersurface to the upper lateral cartilage of the nose by way of the dorsal suspensory ligament . The lateral border of each bone is also serrated, beveled at the expense of the inner surface above and of the outer below, to articulate with the frontal process of the maxilla.14 The medial border, notably thicker above than below, articulates with its fellow of the opposite side.

The biomechanical advantage of the upper vault, favoring distribution of equilibrium circuits of stress, is clear: it is stabilized by early ossification of the internasal suture, girded by merger with the frontal processes of the maxilla ( transitioning to the nasal sidewalls and the medial components of the orbital frame), and locked into position at the midline by the heavy serrations, at the nasofrontal suture ( Fig. 7.6A,B ).