The Hidden Dorsal Hump: High Radix or True Dorsal Convexity?

Objective:The apparent prominence of a dorsal hump may be influenced by radix position, potentially creating a discrepancy between the true anatomical magnitude of dorsal convexity and its visual appearance. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between a high radix and dorsal hump morphology and to introduce the concept of the “hidden dorsal hump,” defined as a clinically relevant dorsal convexity whose apparent prominence is diminished by a high or anteriorly positioned radix.Methods:This multicenter observational study included 90 rhinoplasty patients from three centers in Gaziantep, Hatay, and Mersin, Türkiye, with 30 patients at each center. Standardized profile photographs were used to assess radix height, dorsal hump height, nasofrontal angle, nasofacial angle, and dorsal convexity. We classified patients by radix morphology and the presence of a hidden dorsal hump. We analyzed preoperative and postoperative morphometric parameters, patient satisfaction, independent expert assessments, and complications.Results:A high radix was identified in 37 patients (41.1%), and 26 patients (28.9%) had a hidden dorsal hump. Among patients with a high radix, 70.3% (26/37) exhibited a hidden dorsal hump, compared with none of those without a high radix (p