The role of powered instrumentation in rhinoplasty and septoplasty

Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are commonly performed surgical procedures that have as many variables in execution as the number of surgeons that perform them. Initially, these procedures were performed using manual instrumentation. Recently, however, powered instruments have been used to perform portions of the two procedures. Powered oscillating rasps have been described for reducing dorsal bony humps during rhinoplasty, and it has been suggested that powered osteotomes may reduce tissue trauma when performing nasal osteotomies. Powered burrs have also been used for taking down dorsal bony humps and refining boney irregularities. Although septal spurs have traditionally been excised manually, powered instrumentation has proved useful in this area as well. This article reviews the indications for using powered instrumentation in rhinoplasty and septoplasty.