Arthroplasty of the proximal interphalangeal joint using costal cartilage grafts.

Seven intra-articular fractures in five patients with partial bone loss at the PIP joint were reconstructed using a graft of costal cartilage. In all cases there were total or partial cartilagenous defects of the proximal phalangeal side of the joint. Early treatment of two joints, using only costal cartilage grafts, resulted in bony ankylosis due to necrosis of the grafted cartilage. In five joints the grafted cartilage included osseous portions using the costo-osteochondral junction, leading to an average range of movement of 64 degrees with satisfactory clinical results. The technique is a useful alternative to other forms of arthroplasty or arthrodesis, and can provide satisfactory functional results when there is a partial defect of the head of the proximal phalanx.     

Multilayer costal grafts to prevent cartilage deformation: an experimental study

Background

Cartilage grafting is a common procedure in nasal reconstruction or dorsal augmentation. Costal cartilage is usually preferred to conchal or septal cartilage when a larger amount of graft is required, although this cartilage type is often complicated by postoperative warping. To overcome this complication, we suggest the use of multilayer costal grafts. This study aims to compare single-layer and multilayer costal grafts concerning angle of warpage, cartilage viability, and architectural changes in the animal model.

Methods

Twelve costal grafts were harvested from a fresh Landrace pig cadaver; six were shaped in single-layer grafts and six into a multilayer structure, both having the same thickness. These grafts were implanted in subcutaneous dorsal skin pockets of six athymic nude rats. After 8 weeks, the animals were euthanized and the grafts removed. Pictures of the cartilages were acquired. The samples were processed and stained for histological (hematoxylin and eosin, Alcian blue, Von Kossa, Masson-Goldner trichrome, and Verhoeff/Van Gieson stains) and immunohistochemical (GFAP) analyses.

Results

A higher grade of deformation was observed in the single-layer group compared to the multilayer one (5.2° vs 0.3°). Multilayer cartilage showed significantly higher chondrocyte density (70.4 vs 44.9 cells per field at 40×) and the lowest loss of nuclei in chondrocyte lacunae percentage (0.03 vs 3.2 %). Single-layer grafts also showed sporadic inflammatory cell infiltration, not found in multilayer ones.

Conclusions

Multilayer grafts showed a decreased degree of warping as well as an increased viability and should be considered as a valuable alternative in nasal reconstruction.Level of evidence: Not ratable

     

耳后延迟皮瓣自体肋软骨支架法外耳再造术

目的 探讨耳后延迟皮瓣自体肋软骨支架法外耳再造术的临床效果.方法 手术分3期进行：Ⅰ期为耳后皮瓣延迟术,术后3周左右进行Ⅱ期手术;Ⅱ期为自体肋软骨支架再造、延迟皮瓣覆盖及自体中厚皮片移植外耳再造术,术后半年据情进行Ⅲ期手术;Ⅲ期行耳屏再造、耳甲腔加深和再造耳局部修整术等.结果 对先天性小耳畸形28例,31只耳,分次完成Ⅰ～Ⅲ期手术23只耳,余8只耳只完成Ⅰ、Ⅱ期手术.术后外耳位置、大小及形态良好,并发症少,患者及家属基本满意.结论 应用皮瓣延迟术不但可获取足够面积富有血运保障的菲薄皮瓣,而且方法简单、安全,所需时间短.耳后延迟皮瓣自体肋软骨支架法外耳再造术,是一种良好的外耳再造术方法.     

Clinical outcome and histologic findings of costal osteochondral grafts for cartilage defects in finger joints

PURPOSE: For the purpose of achieving anatomical reduction as precisely as possible, we performed osteochondral grafting from the costo-osteochondral junction in 16 patients (17 joints) with posttraumatic articular cartilage injury or avascular necrosis in finger joints. The purpose of this study was to review our series of costal osteochondral grafts in order to determine the practicality, effectiveness, and functionality of this grafting technique in a clinical setting. METHODS: Patients were followed for at least 18 months postoperatively (18-57 months; average, 28 months). The injured joints included 3 metacarpophalangeal, 9 proximal interphalangeal, 3 distal interphalangeal, and 2 thumb interphalangeal joints. The defect accounted for 50% to 100% of the articular surface (average, 63%). RESULTS: The average time until bone union of the graft was 58 days. The mean arc of motion was 13 degrees before surgery versus 58 degrees after surgery, with a mean increase of 45 degrees . In 7 patients (8 joints), an extremely small portion (approximately 1 x 1 mm in size and thinner than 0.1 mm) of the implanted cartilage was obtained via biopsy using a scalpel with the consent of the patient at the time of screw removal and was used to prepare histologic specimens, which revealed scattered chondrocytes within the matrix without differences from normal hyaline cartilage in any. The chondrocytes in the grafts appeared viable, and the reconstruction of the joint surface could be confirmed histologically. CONCLUSIONS: Osteochondral grafting from the costo-osteochondral junction achieves excellent reconstruction of the injured joint without affecting other joints. This technique is particularly beneficial in cases where it is difficult to obtain allograft donors, as is often the case in Japan. Despite these encouraging findings in this small series, we believe that it is necessary to conduct further studies of this method over a longer period.     

Circumferential tracheal replacement with costal cartilage

Long-term incorporation of foreign material or tissue in circumferential tracheal replacement will lead to progressive growth of granulation tissue, provoking either airway stenosis or a reduction of subepithelial blood supply and thereby preventing the appearance of functioning ciliated epithelium in the replaced segment. In experience with dogs, a 5 cm length of the thoracic trachea was replaced circumferentially with fresh autogenous untreated circularly positioned cartilage-perichrondrium strips. During the period of strengthening of this neotracheal wall, a temporary tracheal prosthesis made of tubular silicone rubber with absorbable sewing rings of polyglactin 910 placed 3 mm from the end of the tube served as a tracheal replacement. Six months after the cartilage transplantation, the neotracheal wall had stabilized sufficiently for the silicone rubber tube to be extracted with an endoscope. Four weeks after extraction of the silicone rubber tube the neotracheal segment was completely covered with ciliated epithelium over a thin subepithelial, well-vascularized layer. Subepithelial vessels had a diameter of 180 microm. They were a continuation of the intercartilaginous main vessels of the neotracheal wall. The presence of normal cilia on the epithelium was proved through transmission electron microscopy. Even the tubules of the cilia were arranged in the right order. In the ink test, movement of the transport marker across the neotracheal segment at a speed of 18 to 21 mm/min was proof of mucociliary clearance. In a process of migration starting from the margin of the trachea, the ciliated epithelium pervaded and replaced the preexisting temporary one-layer stratified squamous epithelium. This completely new technique of circumferential tracheal replacement with autogenous cartilage, avoiding permanent incorporation of foreign material, succeeds within the observation period of up to 7 months.     

Resorption of calcified and decalcified costal cartilage

Summary Cartilage is used in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Ageing of cartilage, followed by calcification, makes cartilage implants susceptible to resorption. However, it has been suggested that decalcified cartilage resists resorption. In the present work resorption of calcified and decalcified cartilage implants in isogenic and allogenic rats was studied in detail. Calcified implants were strongly resorbed and slightly ossified after 3 months. However, decalcified costal cartilage implants were not resorbed and ossified until the third month, i.e. at the end of the observation period, in iso- and allogenic transplants. Furthermore, there was no lymphocytic accumulation observed around decalcified implants as there was around untreated allogenic implants. It is suggested that screening of cartilage implant material for calcium salts with subsequent decalcification when necessary may decrease the number of resorbed and ossified implants. Further, it may protect against immunological response to allograft implantation.     

The versatile autogenous costal cartilage graft in septorhinoplasty

Secondary septorhinoplasty often requires a large amount of tissue, and autogenous costal cartilage is one type of grafting material that can be used in these cases. In this study, 20 patients with severe nasal deformity received autogenous costal cartilage grafts. Nineteen of the 20 cases were revisions. Costal cartilage grafts were used for structural and nonstructural purposes in these patients. Follow-up ranged from 8 to 32 months. The complications included 1 patient with early wound infection and 3 with minor warping. There were no problems with graft resorption or extrusion. Other than temporary pain, there were also no complications at the donor sites. We conclude that the autogenous costal cartilage graft is an outstanding material for volume filling and structural support when large amounts of tissue are needed in septorhinoplasty.     

Articular cartilage restoration with costal cartilage previously fused with bone

A novel procedure was developed for restoration of an articular cartilage defect using an autologous costal cartilage prepared with iliac bone, and the durability in vivo of this biologic construct was examined. First, an osteochondral complex was prepared (successful preparation, 67 of 80). Cancellous bone blocks isolated from the ilium of male Japanese White rabbits aged 5 months were implanted onto the surface of the costal cartilage before being tied by a pair of 3-0 silk thread sutures that were looped around the costal cartilage from behind. Second, 3 months later, the bone-attached costal cartilage was harvested and implanted into a full-thickness cartilage defect induced in a trochlear groove of the femur. All of the grafts were fixed to the recipient, maintaining its cartilage structure until 6 months (n = 28) and 12 months (n = 12) after implantation. However, when the costal cartilage without any bony portion was implanted into a similarly induced defect, 42% (10 of 24) were detached from the recipient before 12 months after implantation. The nontreated defect did not heal spontaneously to a satisfactory level (n = 12). These findings suggest that an osteochondral fragment, prepared by grafting cancellous bone onto costal cartilage, can be used for articular cartilage restoration.     

Use of cartilage grafts for closure of cleft palate fistulae.

We describe the results of using a free cartilage graft in the closure of cleft palate fistulae in 14 patients with a mean follow-up of 8.6 months. Complete closure of the fistula was achieved in 11 patients (79%), with partial closure in the remaining three patients. This technique is simple, causes relatively little discomfort, involves little tissue dissection and can be performed as a day-case procedure. The success rate is comparable with or better than other methods, and we consider it the treatment of choice for small cleft palate fistulae.     

The use of autogenous costal cartilage graft in septorhinoplasty

INTRODUCTION: Reconstructive septorhinoplasty in complex nasal deformities often requires harvesting a large amount of tissue for grafting. Autogenous septal cartilage has generally been considered the gold standard grafting material. The aim of this paper was to report our experience with the use of costal cartilage grafts in cases with significant structural deformities and insufficient septal cartilage. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. PATIENTS: Between 1998 and 2006, 37 patients underwent septorhinoplasty using costal cartilage as the primary source for grafting. Twenty-two men and 14 women with a median age of 42 were enrolled in the study. Patient demographics, indications for surgery, and immediate and late complications were reviewed. The follow-up range was 3 to 72 months. CONCLUSIONS: Autogenous costal cartilage graft is a viable option in reconstructive septorhinoplasty. We advocate the use of this graft in septorhinoplasty cases requiring a large volume of tissue and insufficient septal cartilage.     

The survival of costal cartilage graft in laryngotracheal reconstruction

Acquired subglottic stenosis in children is a difficult problem. One of the successful procedures used to correct this condition is an autogenous costal cartilage graft to the subglottis and upper trachea. The fate of the cartilage graft is not known, despite the good results of the procedure. Prompted by recovery of viable cartilage graft from two patients previously operated upon by this procedure, we performed autogenous costal cartilage grafting to the subglottic area of fifty young New Zealand rabbits, with inspection of these grafts at 2- and 4-month postoperative intervals. The purpose of this study is to prove the survival of autogenous costal cartilage grafts in the subglottic area. Gross and histologic examination 2 and 4 months postoperatively showed viable cartilage as well as lining of the graft with respiratory epithelium in the majority of cases.     

Irradiated homologous costal cartilage for augmentation rhinoplasty

Although the ideal reconstructive material for augmentation rhinoplasty continues to challenge plastic surgeons, there exists no report in the literature that confines the use of irradiated homologous costal cartilage, first reported by Dingman and Grabb in 1961, to dorsal nasal augmentation. The purpose of this paper is to present a retrospective analysis of the author's experience using irradiated homologous costal cartilage in augmentation rhinoplasty. Twenty-seven dorsal nasal augmentations were performed in 24 patients between 16 and 49 years of age with a follow-up ranging from 1 to 27 months. Good-to-excellent results were achieved in 83.3% (20 of 24). Poor results requiring revision were found in 16.7% (4 of 24). Complication rates included 7.4% infection (2 of 27) and 14.8% warping (4 of 27). The resorption rate was zero. These results compare favorably with other forms of nasal augmentation. Advantages and disadvantages of irradiated homologous costal cartilage are discussed.