Use of Autologous Costal Cartilage Combined with Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene in Asian Rhinoplasty

BackgroundThe corresponding author's experience and recent methods employed in autologous costal cartilage grafts combined with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) in Asian rhinoplasty were presented in this study.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of rhinoplasty performed on patients using autogenous costal cartilage grafts combined with an ePTFE implant.MethodsSeventy-five rhinoplasty cases with autologous costal cartilage grafts and an ePTFE implant were retrospectively reviewed. Graft types, complications associated with the graft itself or graft harvesting, surgical outcomes, and patient satisfaction were assessed.ResultsThe mean follow-up time post-operation was 13.5 months. A total of 42/75 patients underwent revision surgeries. Graft-related complications were found in 8% of cases, including two warped graft and four infection cases. Three individuals with infections had mild graft resorption. One patient with an infection removed the implant. Graft exposure, mobility, and substantial resorption were not recorded. A total of two cases underwent revision procedures for infection and perforation, respectively. Chest incision lengths for graft harvesting averaged 2.1 cm. No pneumothorax or significant donor-site pain was found. Donor-site scars were negligible, although two cases had hypertrophic chest scars. In general, functional and esthetic outcomes were mostly satisfactory among the assessed patients.ConclusionsRhinoplasty using autologous rib cartilage provides adequate support and sufficient cartilage amounts for correcting nasal contouring. Meanwhile, ePTFE alone for nasal dorsum augmentation safely achieves satisfactory outcomes. Rib cartilage rhinoplasty performed by an experienced surgeon yields excellent, long-lasting results with minimal risk; however, the potential for infection should be considered following revision surgery.     

The Use of Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) in Rhinoplasty

Background Septal cartilage still is the most appropriate graft material used in rhinoplasty. In traumatic or revision cases, septal cartilage can be insufficient, and the need for an implant material emerges. In this study, the safety and efficacy of polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) used as an implant material in nasal dorsal augmentation were assessed. Methods This study retrospectively reviewed 74 patients who underwent nasal dorsal augmentation with Gore-Tex. Of the 74 patients who underwent rhinoplasty with Gore-Tex for dorsal augmentation from February 1999 to January 2006, 46 (62.2%) represented primary cases and 28 (37.8%) represented revision cases. The patients were followed from 5 to 62 months (average, 28 months) and questioned about cosmetic and functional outcomes. The results were assessed according to patients’ charts as well as preoperative and postoperative photographic documentation. Results There were no complications such as infections, foreign body reaction, extrusions, resorption, or migration, and all the patients were satisfied with their results. Only one case of soft tissue reaction was observed, which lasted for 3 weeks postoperatively. Conclusions Biocompatibility, ease of use, lack of extrusion or resorption, and low rate of infection make Gore-Tex a good alternative to autogenous tissue. However, long-term success and complication rates still are lacking, and large numbers of patients with longer follow-up periods are required.     

提高自体软骨移植物活性的研究进展

软骨移植物主要包括自体软骨、同种异体软骨、冷冻同种胚胎软骨、骨膜、软骨膜和生物材料等。但软骨移植存在许多缺陷,如供区继发性病变、进行性供区结构异常、移植物弯曲变形,移植物吸收与存活等问题。本文就提高自体软骨移植物活性的方法,包括软骨碎片或颗粒移植和包裹技术等进行综述。     

Comparison of autogenous and allogenous posterior cruciate ligament reconstructions of the knee

This prospective clinical study was performed to compare the functional results and clinical outcomes of 32 autogenous and 23 allogenous posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstructions with an average follow-up of 34 months. Both groups showed similar age, gender and follow-up time. The indications for surgery included knees with functional disability due to pain and instability from high-energy PCL injury with failure of conservative treatments. Arthroscopic single-bundle PCL reconstruction was performed with a similar technique in both groups with the exception of graft selection. All patients received the same postoperative rehabilitation. The evaluation parameters included functional assessment, ligament laxity, functional score, kinematics evaluation and radiographic examination. Autogenous and allogenous PCL reconstructions showed comparable functional results and clinical outcomes. No statistically significant difference was noted in ligament laxity and radiographic changes between the two groups. Complications were more prevalent with autogenous grafts. In conclusion, autogenous and allogenous tendon grafts are equally effective in PCL reconstruction.     

The Fate of Diced Cartilage Grafts of Traumatized Versus Nontraumatized Origin

Background Diced cartilage grafts have long been used in rhinoplasty. Along with their various reported advantages, they also have some disadvantages. The irregular resorption rate of the engrafted mass is one of the major issues noted with diced cartilage grafts. An explanation for the unpredictable resorption rate has not yet been elucidated. This study aimed to determine the role of traumatized versus nontraumatized cartilage as the source of diced cartilage grafts. Methods This study included the noses of 32 patients (19 traumatized noses and 13 nontraumatized noses) who underwent surgery using Surgicel-wrapped diced cartilage grafts. Results The most remarkable result noted in this study was that a Surgicel-wrapped diced cartilage graft, if prepared from traumatized cartilage (in 19 patients), failed to maintain a stable long-term volume. Partial volume loss was noted in 100% of these patients. However, the rate of this partial resorption was different for every individual and could not be predicted. The highest retention of cartilage graft volume was seen primarily over the nasal osseocartilaginous junction. In nontraumatized patients, however, the engrafted mass maintained long-term volume stability. These patients evidenced no visible external irregularities, and only a few very slight imperfections were noted with finger palpation. Conclusion Diced cartilage of traumatic origin is not recommended for any purpose. In such cases, the authors’ engrafting algorithm consists of autobone or ear conchal cartilage grafts for dorsal augmentation, columellar struts from the nontraumatized part of the septum, and spreader grafts from the nontraumatized part of the septum or ear concha.     

自体耳软骨移植79例鼻成形术的临床分析

目的探讨自体耳软骨移植鼻成形术的临床效果。方法针对外鼻短小，鼻尖低平、肥大钝圆。以及部分隆鼻术后效果不佳的国人，在隆鼻的同时切除鼻翼大软骨外侧脚的上外侧部，并水平褥式缝合，将鼻翼大软骨内侧脚缝合，以缩小鼻小柱宽度及延长鼻小柱；切取自体耳软骨，用以抬高及延长鼻尖。结果对本组79例求美者进行了3～18个月的随访，效果稳定，无并发症及继发畸形的发生。结论自体耳软骨移植鼻成形术其方法较好，效果明显，值得在临床上推广应用。     

Management and Aesthetic Results of Support Grafts in Saddle Nose Surgery

To define the surgical management and long-term aesthetic results of patients undergoing rhinoplasty with support graft for saddle nose, 147 patients have been included in this retrospective study. One hundred forty-four autogenous grafts (bone or cartilage) and three processed irradiated bovine cartilage grafts have been used during the period 1980–1997. Two approaches have been employed: open rhinoplasty and endonasal approach. Most of cases have been treated with bony grafts (116 bone graft versus 26 cartilage grafts). Global follow-up after surgery for long-term aesthetic study was 8.5 years. Among the different autogenous that have been used in our series, the calvarial bone had the most interesting results in terms of resorption. In patients with important saddle nose deformity, we recommend calvarial bone as a material of choice for dorsonasal reconstruction. It provides excellent and natural long-term feel to the nasal complex.     

Dorsal nasal augmentation with "open sandwich" graft consisting of conchal cartilage and retroauricular fascia

Background: Augmenting the nasal dorsum with conchal grafts can cause visible irregularities over time due to the morphological qualities of that material. Objectives: This study describes the senior authors' technique of dorsal nasal augmentation with chondrofascial "open sandwich" grafts consisting of pieces of conchal cartilage and retroauricular fascia. The authors assess the efficiency and reliability of this graft in nasal dorsal augmentation. Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed the cases of 19 patients who underwent dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty with chondrofascial grafts. Both cartilage and fascia were harvested through the same incision in the retroauricular sulcus. The conchal graft was cut in 2 to 4 pieces and slightly crushed with tissue forceps. The pieces of cartilage were arranged and fixed to the fascia in different patterns according to the nasal dorsum contour. Results: The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 35 months in 16 patients who qualified for inclusion in the final data. The maximal thickness of the chondrofascial graft was 4.5 mm. There were no major complications in the recipient area, except 1 case of undercorrection. There were 2 complications in the donor area. In 1 case, a hematoma was treated conservatively. In another case, a strip of skin necrosis in the conchal area occurred and was treated by excision and direct suture with satisfactory resolution. Conclusions: The autologous chondrofascial graft is appropriate for slight to mild dorsal nasal augmentation. The method, as with most rhinoplasty techniques, requires careful and judicious preoperative examination, planning, and execution. The postoperative scar is inconspicuous and the donor site morbidity is minimal. Level of Evidence: 4.     

Crushed cartilage grafts for concealing irregularities in rhinoplasty

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical outcome of crushed cartilage grafts used to conceal contour irregularities in rhinoplasty. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 462 patients in whom crushed autogenous cartilage grafts were used, selected from a total of 669 patients in whom rhinoplasty procedures were performed at our institution between June 1, 1999, and June 1, 2006. The grafts were used as slightly, moderately, significantly, or severely crushed. RESULTS: Eight hundred nine cartilage grafts (41 slightly crushed grafts [5%], 650 moderately crushed grafts [80%], and 118 significantly crushed grafts [15%]) were used in 462 patients. Resorption occurred in 11 of the 462 patients (2.4%). All of the resorbed grafts (6 moderately crushed grafts and 5 significantly crushed grafts) had been placed in the dorsal area. The resorption rate of those grafts was lower in the moderately crushed cartilage grafts (6 of 284 grafts [2.1%]) than in the significantly crushed grafts (5 of 38 grafts [13.1%]). There was no resorption of slightly crushed grafts. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of crushing applied is important for long-term clinical outcome of autogenous crushed cartilage grafts. Slight or moderate crushing of cartilage creates an outstanding graft material for concealing irregularities and provides both excellent long-term clinical outcome and predictable esthetic results.     

块状肋软骨移植物在隆鼻术中矫正鼻基底凹陷的临床效果

分析块状肋软骨移植物在隆鼻术中对鼻基底凹陷患者的矫正效果。方法 选择2021年 5月-2023年5月于我院行隆鼻术的100例鼻基底凹陷患者为研究对象，采用随机数字表法分为对照组和 观察组，各50例。对照组行颗粒状肋软骨矫正，观察组行块状肋软骨矫正，比较两组鼻部美学角度测 量值、并发症发生情况及满意度。结果 观察组小柱上唇角、小柱小叶角、鼻面角及鼻额角均高于对照 组，差异有统计学意义（P ＜0.05）；观察组并发症发生率为4.00%，低于对照组的20.00%，差异有统计 学意义（P ＜0.05）；观察组满意度为100.00%，高于对照组的80.00%，差异有统计学意义（P ＜0.05）。结 论 块状肋软骨移植物在隆鼻术中矫正鼻基底凹陷的临床效果良好，能够改善患者的凹陷症状，提高鼻部 美学效果，且术后并发症发生几率较低，患者满意度较高。     

Secondary rhinoplasty: management of the overresected dorsum

Any discussion of grafting the dorsum in secondary rhinoplasty must take into account the different indications (aesthetic, augmentation, and structure) as well as recent changes in materials and techniques (fascia, diced cartilage). We have placed solid dorsal grafts with diced cartilage grafts either as an isolated diced cartilage graft in fascia graft or as the aesthetic dorsal contour layer of a composite reconstruction. The rational for this profound change in selection and indication of dorsal grafts for revising the overresected dorsum will become clear as the various alternative materials and techniques are analyzed. Currently, we only employ autogenous tissues.     

自体鼻中隔软骨在鼻背凹陷充填术中的应用

目的 介绍用自体鼻中隔软骨充填鼻背凹陷的方法。方法 按常规鼻中隔矫正术切取鼻中隔软骨，根据鼻背凹陷的不同程度和部位，将充填软骨修削成单层卵圆形，或将软骨分割成2～3块叠加后缝合在一起，或将软骨制成倒“V”形，根据鼻背凹陷的大小和形状进行鼻背部充填。结果 43例患者短期效果全部满意，30例经6个月至5年随访，其中3例软骨有轻度吸收，鼻背稍凹陷，其余均较满意。结论 自体鼻中隔软骨充填鼻背整形，取材在同一手术野内完成，方法简便易行，软骨能与周围组织融合在一起，无排斥反应，长期效果较好，可作为鼻背美容整形的选择材料。     

The healing of bone and cartilage

Transplantation of bone should be preceded by careful assessment of the recipient site. The function of the transplanted bone as an interposition graft, as an onlay graft, or in restoration or construction of a missing part of the skeleton must be considered. Cortical bone provides superior mechanical strength and can be incorporated with plate fixation to span interposition defects. Membranous bone used as onlay grafts for augmentation of craniofacial skeletal contour has been shown to be superior to endochondral grafts in maintaining volume. The use of rigid fixation to secure onlay grafts may eliminate the differences in resorption seen with membranous versus endochondral bone. The vascularity and quality of soft tissue at the recipient site may necessitate the use of vascularized bone or composite free tissue transfer. The calvarium is the most popular donor site for bone grafts used in craniofacial skeletal procedures. This membranous bone undergoes less resorption and revascularizes faster than endochondral bone. Cranial bone has excellent mechanical strength due to its large cortical component. The calvarial donor site causes less discomfort to the patient compared with rib or iliac crest, and the scar is well hidden. Harvesting and shaping cranial bone require special expertise, and there is potential morbidity. In cartilage transplantation, the surgeon must take into account the properties of viscoelasticity, the intrinsic balanced system of forces, and immunologic privilege. Cartilage deformed by an external force will tend to return to its original shape unless the deformation is maintained for several months. Surgical carving produces changes in the balance of intrinsic tensile and expansile forces, causing distortion in cartilage shape. Distortion can be minimized by carving in balanced cross-section. Carved cartilage grafts should be used for special indications in rhinoplasty. Autogenous cartilage is the framework of choice in ear construction. Composite grafts incorporating cartilage have been used successfully in eyelid reconstruction. Fresh autogenous cartilage is preferable to preserved allogeneic sources, as the latter undergo eventual resorption because there are no viable chondrocytes to maintain the matrix.     

Labiocolumellar Graft Combined with Tip Graft in the Management of Inadequate Tip Projection

The short distance of the nasal tip from the alar crease indicates inadequate projection. Tip grafts are commonly used for the management of this problem. In addition to tip grafts, labiocolumellar augmentation by cartilage grafts also provides further elevation of the tip complex for patients with poor tip definition, excessive alar base width, inadequate tip projection, or plunging nasal tip. In addition to standard rhinoplasty procedure and tip grafting for nasal tip augmentation, a linear cartilage graft was inserted centrally just behind the labiocolumellar angle for further tip elevation. The graft was placed in the subdermal plane just anterior to the orbicularis oris muscle to prevent graft displacement and clicking during muscle motion. This procedure was performed for 45 rhinoplasty patients, only three of whom underwent tip plasty procedures alone. During 1 year, 43 patients were followed up. Most of the patients (75%) were satisfied with the results of the procedure. Tip graft combined with labiocolumellar graft is an effective technique for obtaining satisfactory tip projection and correcting the acute labiocolumellar angle. Presented at The XVI. Congress of ISAPS, 26–29 May 2002, Istanbul, Turkey, and should be attributed to Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University, and Haseki Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology Istanbul, Turkey.     

Autologous Cartilage Graft Rhinoplasties

Background: The authors report their experience with autologous graft rhinoplasties. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively, with selection of only autologous grafts from 2,000 rhinoplasties performed at the Plastic and Reconstructive Department of the University of Rome Tor Vergata. Results: A total of 62 patients from January 1995 to January 2005 were selected. Most of the patients were treated with the “open tip” technique, whereas 9.7% had a classic endonasal approach. Follow-up evaluation was performed with outpatient visits at 2 and 6 weeks, then at 3, 6, and 12 months. Good aesthetic results were obtained for 93.5% of the patients, and 83.7% had complete satisfaction. Conclusion: Autologuos cartilage graft rhinoplasty is an affordable technique easy to learn that widens possibilities of interventions for nasal pyramid reconstruction.     

The use of preserved autogenous septal cartilage in "touch-up" rhinoplasty

The management of minor contour irregularities after primary aesthetic rhinoplasty often requires correction of soft tissue defects with autogenous cartilage, allograft materials, xenograft matrix, or alloplasts. Inasmuch as the use of native cartilage requires an additional procedure (and potential donor site morbidity) and alloplast insertion raises the specter of extrusion or cicatrical deformity, the use of preserved autogenous cartilage is an attractive alternative, particularly for minor revision surgery. This study describes the experience and technique of the senior author (P.F.G.) with the use of isopropyl alcohol-preserved autogenous nasal cartilage during revision rhinoplasty in which only minor contour correction is required. When grafts are needed for revision surgery, they are inserted via small intranasal stab incisions into minor irregularities of the tip, alae, and dorsum. This technique eliminates the need for additional surgery to obtain graft material, reduces costs and risks associated with alloplasts, and is particularly useful for minor revision rhinoplasty. Office-based techniques for preserving cartilage are reviewed.     

Scar Tissue Graft as a Filler for Soft Tissue Augmentation

Soft tissue augmentation with autogenous tissue has been used to correct various defects during aesthetic facial contouring and reconstructive procedures. Although dermal grafts have longer survival rates, fat grafts always have been more popular because of the simple harvesting and grafting methods used. The authors aimed to use existing scar tissue as an injectable graft and to compare its effectiveness as a soft tissue filler substance with that of dermal grafts. In this study, scar tissue was created on 24 male Wistar rats. The created scar and normal healthy skin were removed from the rat dorsal scapular donor site. After depithelialization, the harvested tissues were minced until they were thin enough to pass through a 16-gauge needle. The grafts then were injected into the recipient site between the abdominal muscles. Volumetric analyses and histologic evaluation of the grafts were performed 1, 3, and 5 months after transplantation. The first month after the injection, the amount of remaining dermis graft was more than the scar graft, and this difference was statistically significant. However, at the end of months 3 and 5, there was no marked difference between the groups. The remaining volume of injected scar tissue graft was comparable with that of the dermis graft. The scar grafts were composed mainly of dense connective tissue during all the evaluation periods. In this study, scar tissue provided results comparable with those of dermal grafts up to 5 months when used as a soft tissue filler. It seems that neovascularization of the scar graft may be inadequate for maintenance of graft viability, as compared with dermis grafts. On the other hand, the scar graft formed fibrous tissue, which may be responsible for providing adequate volume as a filler. This may have clinical implications for the patient who needs both scar revision and soft tissue augmentation procedures simultaneously.     

Tragal Cartilage Grafts in Aesthetic Rhinoplasty

Ear cartilage is an important source of grafts for rhinoplasty. The majority of cartilage grafts is harvested from the concha of the ear. We describe indications in which the tragal cartilage is a more favorable graft source than conchal cartilage. The technique is fast, simple, and does not require special dressings.