Ultrasonic bone aspirator turbinoplasty: a novel approach for management of inferior turbinate hypertrophy

Abstract

Objective: Turbinate reduction via microdebrider assisted turbinoplasty (MAIT) or radiofrequency assisted (RFA) turbinoplasty fails to address nasal obstruction caused by bony deformities of the inferior turbinate. Procedures such as Mabry's turbinoplasty, although effective, are challenging to perform. Other procedures such as partial or total turbinectomies may result in prolonged crusting and atrophic rhinitis. We demonstrate the safety and efficacy of inferior turbinate bone removal with an ultrasonic bone aspirator.

Study design: Retrospective Review and Prospective Case Series with Patient Questionnaire.

Methods: The SONOPET ultrasonic bone aspirator (MIWATEC Co., Ltd.) utilize sultrasonic waves to emulsify bone while concurrent irrigation and microsuction of the bone particles produces a clean surgical field. This enables precise, graded removal of the inferior turbinate bone under direct visualization without thermal or mechanical injury to the surrounding soft tissue or mucosa. We describe the first application of this technology to turbinate bone reduction.

Results: No individuals experienced delayed healing, infection, scarring or other complications. Improvements in nasal obstruction varied depending upon the procedures being concurrently performed such as septoplasty, functional endoscopic sinus surgery, nasal valve repair and rhinoplasty.

Conclusions: Ultrasonic bone aspiration turbinoplasty is a safe and effective addition to the techniques employed for inferior turbinate reduction. Moreover, this technique addresses actual deformities in the turbinate bone which cannot be effectively treated through microdebrider or radiofrequency-assisted turbinoplasty. The technique is simpler than conventional turbinoplasty and avoids the complications associated with turbinate resection.