Following nasal trauma, a patient develops a tender, fluctuant swelling of the nasal septum bilaterally, occluding both nasal passages. This complication, if left untreated, most commonly leads to:

• A Saddle nose deformity due to septal cartilage necrosis ✓
• B Rhinoscleroma
• C Nasal polyp formation
• D Septal perforation without external deformity

Explanation

Septal haematoma, if not drained promptly, undergoes organisation and subsequent avascular necrosis of the septal cartilage (which relies on perichondrium for nutrition). This leads to collapse of the nasal dorsum — the classic 'saddle nose' deformity. Septal haematoma also risks secondary infection forming a septal abscess, which accelerates cartilage destruction. Treatment requires immediate incision and drainage with through-and-through quilting sutures to prevent reaccumulation.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.