INTRODUCTION: There have been few studies measuring the morphology of the lower lateral cartilages in African-descendents. The aim of this study was to describe the anatomy of the lower lateral cartilages and their variations in African-descendents. METHODS: We studied 16 fresh adult cadavers. The noses were dissected through an open-approach rhinoplasty, with identification and release of lower lateral cartilages connections. The lateral crus and middle / medial crus were analyzed for shape, length and width, and were identified on the side and sex. The distance between the domus and the caudal septum was evaluated. A millimeter rule was used for measurements. The measures found were recorded and analyzed by BioEstat 5.0. RESULTS: The convex shape of the lateral crus was predominant, while unilaterally concave shape occurred in two cases and bilaterally in one case. The footplates of the medial crura were united in 81.25% of the sample and separated in 18.75% of cases. The distance between the angle of the caudal septum and the domus was 4 to 10 mm (mean = 6.86 ± 1.75 mm). CONCLUSION: The lower lateral cartilages of African-descendents had dimensions similar to those described in the literature.
Nasal cartilages; Anatomy; Cadaver; Nose; Rhinoplasty; African Continental Ancestry Group
