The Use of Allogeneic Cartilage for Grafting in Functional and Reconstructive Rhinoplasty.

[PURPOSE] Allogeneic cartilage grafting has multiple uses in rhinoplasty. Autogenous cartilage is frequently used in cases of nasal obstruction or reconstruction, but harvesting grafts can cause complications or might be contraindicated. Rhinoplasties on the patient with a cleft might require costochondral grafts. Allogeneic rib is an effective and safe alternative to autogenous grafts, prevents complications, and obviates postoperative admission after rib harvest.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] Patients who had allogeneic cartilage placed during functional or reconstructive rhinoplasty were studied from 2 institutions, including 19 who had functional rhinoplasty using allogeneic Cartiform patellar cartilage grafts and 15 patients who underwent reconstructive cleft rhinoplasty with allogeneic rib cartilage. Postoperative follow-up was at least 6 months, and graft handling characteristics and improvement in breathing were assessed. Internal and external nasal valve (INV and ENV, respectively) patencies were evaluated in patients who received the Cartiform grafts, and cosmetic outcomes were rated for patients with reconstructed clefts.

[RESULTS] The average age of patients who underwent functional rhinoplasty was 57.3 years, and all were men with compromised nasal breathing. Cartiform cartilage was used to repair INV or ENV collapse. Postoperatively, all patients had patent INVs and ENVs and reported improved nasal breathing. Patients who received the rib allograft had an average age of 18 years and 40% were male; all had severe nasal deformities secondary to cleft or craniofacial conditions. Patients rated their preoperative nasal breathing as 4 of 10 on average and cosmetic appearance as 3 of 10; postoperatively, these were rated as 9 of 10. Complications were not noted, except for 1 superficial infection (unrelated to the graft) and 1 hypertrophic scar. There were no postoperative admissions. The mechanical and handling properties of the Cartiform and allogeneic rib were appropriate.

[CONCLUSION] Allogeneic cartilage is an acceptable alternative to autologous cartilage in functional and reconstructive rhinoplasty.