Septal deviations can be congenital or acquired after trauma, surgical intervention, or other conditions. Deviation may cause obstruction of nasal breathing, increasing the likelihood of sinus infections and nasal drainage. Septal deviation may also contribute to curvature of the external nasal appearance. Septal deviation causing nasal obstruction or aesthetic distortion of the nose is an indication for surgical intervention. Septoplasty may involve removal of septal cartilage, maneuvers to reposition the septum, grafting, or combinations thereof. External and internal splints and nasal packing may be used.
