Evaluation of Lateral Crura Divergence Angle of Iranian Candidates for Primary Rhinoplasty

BACKGROUND: Cephalic malposition of the lower lateral cartilages is a common nasal anatomic variation. Knowing the range of lateral crura (LC) divergence angle in Iranian population can help Middle East plastic surgeons. This study aimed to determine LC divergence angle of candidates for primary rhinoplasty in Iranian population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 256 candidates for primary rhinoplasty from November 2017 through May 2018. Two sides of LC divergence angle were measured intraoperatively by a researcher-made device. RESULTS: Totally, 211 female and 45 male patients with the mean age of 29.9±6.51 years were recruited. The mean LC divergence angle was 35.86±4.74° (between 20-50°). The mean LC divergence angle was 35.11° and 36.02° in male and females, respectively. There was no significant difference between males and females. In addition, there was no significant correlation between LC divergence angle and age. LC divergence angle had normal distribution and about 68% of the LC divergence angle were within one standard deviation of the mean (i.e. 32 to 40 degree). CONCLUSION: In 16% of studied people, the divergence angle of the lateral crus of the lower lateral cartilage was lower than 32° and was considered as malposition.