Outcomes of the Use of Fresh-Frozen Costal Cartilage in Rhinoplasty.

[BACKGROUND] Rhinoplasty is made more challenging when there is insufficient septal cartilage for use as graft material. Several autologous and homologous graft options have been used in the past, although each comes with its own set of challenges. Fresh-frozen costal cartilage (FFCC) is an increasingly popular alternative that yields the benefits of homologous tissue while having a lower theoretical risk profile. Given the relatively novel nature of this option, the authors analyzed the complication rates of Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation FFCC.

[METHODS] A retrospective chart review of the use of FFCC in rhinoplasty in the senior author's (R.G.R.) practice was conducted between March of 2018 to December of 2021. A total of 282 cases were reviewed and analyzed for rates of infection, warping, and resorption. Patients with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up were included.

[RESULTS] The mean age of the study group was 35.8 years, and 27 male and 255 female patients were included. Forty cases were primary rhinoplasties; the remaining 242 were revisions. The mean follow-up period was 20.3 months. Six patients (2.1%) required empiric antibiotics postoperatively; no patient had clinical signs of warping, resorption, or displacement, and 6 patients (2.1%) required operative revision unrelated to the FFCC.

[CONCLUSIONS] This study provides follow-up data on the complication profile of FFCC in rhinoplasty. Acute infection, warping, and resorption rates were found to be no greater than rhinoplasty complication rates when autologous or homologous tissue is used. FFCC is a safe, convenient, and patient-centered option for graft tissue in rhinoplasty.

[CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE] Therapeutic, IV.