Correlation Between Nasal Septal Deviation and Transverse Maxillary Deficiency on CT Scans

May 6, 2026 updated by: VANDE VANNET Bart, Central Hospital, Nancy, France

Correlation Between Nasal Septal Deviation and Transverse Maxillary Deficiency : a Retrospective Study on CT Scan

The maxillary bones and the nasal septum are interconnected structures. The nasal septum acts as a growth center that facilitates normal maxillofacial growth and development. The objective of this study is to evaluate the presence or absence of septal deviation, as well as its degree of severity, within two adult population groups with or without maxillary transverse deficiency. This is a retrospective CT scan study. While several studies have been conducted in this field, our study is original in its approach to: maxillary transverse deficiency as a measure of the transverse dimension of the maxilla, the use of CT scans as the radiological medium for evaluating the primary endpoint, and finally, the specific method used to measure septal deviation.

If a correlation exists between the two, it would be interesting to investigate whether maxillary transverse deficiency leads to septal deviation, or if septal deviation contributes to maxillary deficiency through nasal obstruction. This could highlight the importance of early management of both maxillary transverse deficiency and nasal obstruction.

In adult patients, it could support the idea of performing a single combined procedure involving maxillary expansion and septoplasty, which would reduce comorbidities and risks; ultimately representing a true benefit for the patient.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Maxillary Transversal Deficiency

Detailed Description

The study is a non-interventional (observational) research involving the human person, research on existing data (retrospective study).

This study analyzes the maxillary transverse deficiency and the septal deviation This is a comparative retrospective study of radiographs in three dimensions before any orthodontic treatment to study a potential correlation.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Actual)

223

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

France
- - Nancy, France, 54000
    - Delcampe

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

Adult
Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sampling Method

Probability Sample

Study Population

Deceased from natural causes and underwent a whole-body CT scan between 2010 and 2017, in the State of New Mexico (USA)

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

Adult with completed growth (> 18 years old)
Deceased from natural causes and underwent a whole-body CT scan between 2010 and 2017, in the State of New Mexico (USA)
Presence of maxillar and mandibular teeth from first molar to first molar (from 6 to 6)
No body decomposition at the time of the CT scan

Exclusion Criteria:

History of maxillofacial surgery or trauma
Congenital craniofacial pathologies or anomalies
Presence of maxillary or mandibular orthodontic appliances (or retainers)

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Number of groups / cohorts

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Patient with maxillary transverse deficiency Patient with maxillary constriction
Patient without maxillary transverse deficiency Patient without maxillary constriction

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Time Frame
Nasal septal deviation measured by coronal CT scan Time Frame: one day	one day

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Time Frame
Width of the piriform apertures measured by coronal CT scan Time Frame: one day	one day
Depth of the palatal vault measured by sagittal CT scan Time Frame: one day	one day
location of the septal deviation measured by coronal CT scan Time Frame: one day	one day
degree of septal deviation and depth of the palatal vault Time Frame: one day	one day
width of the piriform apertures and depth of the palatal vault Time Frame: one day	one day
height of the septal deviation and depth of the palatal vault Time Frame: one day	one day

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Central Hospital, Nancy, France

Investigators

Study Director: Bart Vande Vannet, Central Hospital, Nancy, France

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

February 7, 2026

Primary Completion (Actual)

March 10, 2026

Study Completion (Actual)

April 7, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

April 29, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

May 6, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

May 11, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)