Beyond Deviation: Evolving Perspectives on Nasal Septum Morphology, Classification, and Clinical Relevance — A Comprehensive Review

Dr. Jemai Nada¹, Dr. Marina Mirzabekian², Dr. Nina Karpoeva³, Dr. Swati Batheja⁴, Dr. Yash Bhandari^5, , Dr. Jawaria Awan⁶, Dr. Rutuja Patil⁷, Dr. Kamala Kommanaboyina⁸, Dr. Umaarah Asif⁹, Dr. Nabiha Naureen Syeda¹⁰, Dr. Yashashwi Bhandari⁵, Dr. Monica Kommineni¹¹, Dr. Nishtha Sharma¹², Dr. Anju Antony¹³, Dr. Tumpa Biswas¹⁴, Dr. Mahimaben Prajapati¹⁵ and Dr. Pierina Calderon Higinio¹⁶

¹Dental assistant, Always Smile DC, Washington DC, USA

²Independent researcher, A.I, Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Moscow, Russia

³Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, California, USA

⁴University of Bridgeport, CN, USA

⁵HNBU, Srinagar, India

⁶Islamabad Medical and Dental College, Pakistan

⁷Clinical research assistant, MGB, Boston, USA

⁸Vishnu Dental College, AP, India

⁹Dental Assistant, Pennsylvania, USA

¹⁰Dr NTR University of Health Sciences, AP, India

¹¹Ingenus pharmaceuticals, NJ, USA

¹²University of Memphis, TN, USA

¹³Rajiv Gandhi university of health sciences, India

¹⁴M.A.M.C, New Delhi, India

¹⁵Public health coordinator, ToothDocs dental care, New York, USA

¹⁶Dental assistant, New Smiles Dental, Virginia, USA

Cite this paper:
Dr. Jemai Nada, Dr. Marina Mirzabekian, Dr. Nina Karpoeva, Dr. Swati Batheja, Dr. Yash Bhandari, Dr. Jawaria Awan, Dr. Rutuja Patil, Dr. Kamala Kommanaboyina, Dr. Umaarah Asif, Dr. Nabiha Naureen Syeda, Dr. Yashashwi Bhandari, Dr. Monica Kommineni, Dr. Nishtha Sharma, Dr. Anju Antony, Dr. Tumpa Biswas, Dr. Mahimaben Prajapati and Dr. Pierina Calderon Higinio. Beyond Deviation: Evolving Perspectives on Nasal Septum Morphology, Classification, and Clinical Relevance — A Comprehensive Review. American Journal of Clinical Medicine Research. 2026; 14(2):33-36. doi: 10.12691/ajcmr-14-2-2

Abstract

Background: Nasal septum deviation (NSD) represents one of the most frequent anatomical variations within the nasal cavity and is often associated with functional impairment and sinonasal disorders. Despite its high prevalence, variability in classification systems and diagnostic interpretation continues to challenge clinical standardization. Purpose: This study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of nasal septum deviation, focusing on its morphological patterns, classification approaches, and clinical relevance, with an emphasis on improving diagnostic clarity and treatment planning. Methods: A thorough evaluation was conducted of articles related to nasal septum. Electronic databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were used for a thorough search, and only English-language publications were included. A structured analysis was conducted using radiographic imaging assessing the presence, type, and severity of septal deviations. Established classification systems were applied, and correlations with demographic variables and associated nasal findings were examined. Results: Nasal septum deviation was observed in a significant proportion of the study population, with distinct patterns such as C-shaped, S-shaped, and localized spurs being most prevalent. Certain deviation types demonstrated stronger associations with nasal obstruction and adjacent structural variations. The findings also highlighted inconsistencies between classification methods, underscoring the need for a unified framework. Practical Implications: A clearer understanding of nasal septum deviation patterns and their clinical implications can enhance diagnostic precision and guide individualized treatment strategies. Incorporating standardized classification and imaging-based assessment may improve surgical planning and patient outcomes.

Keywords:
Nasal septum deviation classification morphology nasal obstruction radiographic analysis clinical implications

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