Contracted Short Nose Correction Using Irradiated Homologous Costal Cartilage

Suh, Man Koon

Abstract

Septal extension graft is a frequently used technique for correction of the contracted short nose, in which septal cartilage is a first choice for the graft. However, we sometimes encounter situations where septal cartilage is not available. Autogenous rib cartilage can be a good option, but some female patients fear of a bigger operation and do not want a scar around the breast. In such cases, irradiated homologous costal cartilage can be a useful alternative. 38 cases of contracted short nose deformities were treated using the septal extension graft with homologous costal cartilage (34 cases with Tutoplast(R)-processed cartilage, 4 cases with Allowash(R)-processed cartilage). Follow-up period ranged from 2 months to 32 months. Good aesthetic and functional results were obtained. Neither infection nor unfavorable results were found. There was no graft warping, except two cases of graft avulsion fracture and one case of minimal nasal obstruction. There was no definite evidence of greater graft resorption compared to the autogenous rib. Homologous costal cartilage can be a safe and reliable material for rhinoplasty, especially in the absence of available autogenous cartilage sources.