Bifid Inferior Turbinate Associated with Severe Septal Deviation: A Case Report and Literature Review

The bifid inferior turbinate is an extremely rare anatomical variation of the lateral nasal wall and is most often identified incidentally on imaging. Recognition of this variation is clinically important, as it may contribute to nasal obstruction and complicate septal or sinonasal surgery. We report the case of a 22-year-old female with long-standing left-sided nasal obstruction since childhood. Clinical examination and computed tomography revealed an S-shaped nasal septal deviation causing complete obstruction of the left nasal cavity, bilateral hypertrophy of the middle and inferior turbinates, and a left-sided bifid inferior turbinate. The patient underwent septorhinoplasty without intraoperative or postoperative complications, with significant improvement in nasal breathing. This case highlights the importance of recognizing rare anatomical variations to ensure accurate diagnosis and safe surgical planning.