The Joint Tip Graft: A Joint Support for Rim, Facet and Infratip Lobule in Rhinoplasty.

[BACKGROUND] The authors of this study have developed a novel graft called the 'The Joint Tip Graft' which adds support to the lateral crus, camouflages the tip grafts, supports the facet and adds volume to the nasal tip as a single graft. The aim of this study was to define and introduce the tripod graft.

[METHODS] Thirty patients who underwent primary rhinoplasty at a tertiary academic center were included. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups according to the grafts used: group 1: Joint tip graft was additionally used, and group 2: Joint tip graft was not used. All patients were photographed by a photographer who is familiar with medical photography. Preoperative and postoperative sixth month photographs were taken for analysis. The brightest point of the infratip lobule and the darkest point of the facets were selected and analyzed with computer software. The luminance ratio of facet to infratip lobule was calculated to overcome light and head position differences.

[RESULTS] Mean infratip luminance scores were 112.20 ± 5.72 and 109.73 ± 7.13 in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p > 0.05). Mean facet luminance scores were 101.33 ± 4.91 and 89.27 ± 5.11 in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0.05). Facet/infratip luminance ratios were calculated for each group. Mean facet/infratip luminance ratios were 0.90 ± 0.01 and 0.82 ± 0.16 for groups 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0.05).

[CONCLUSIONS] The joint tip graft is a novel graft that is easy to harvest and apply. It spans both of the alar cartilages, supports the facet area and creates a smooth gradual light shadow transition. Additionally, it acts as a camouflage over the tip grafts.

[LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV] This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .