Abstract
Objective
To determine if a systematic, concentric graft-carving technique results in less warping than eccentric carving.
Methods
Costal cartilage from ribs 3 through 9 were harvested from fresh human cadavers. Concentric dorsal grafts were carved from cartilage obtained from one side of the cadaver (n = 7) and eccentric grafts were carved from the opposite side (n = 11). After carving, grafts were placed in saline sponges (isotonic sodium chloride) for 1 hour, and photographs were then taken from a lateral and a frontal view. Identical photographs were taken after 2 weeks of incubation in saline (36.7°C). The angle of curvature was measured from the photographs.
Results
More warping occurred in the eccentric group than the concentric group on lateral view at 1 hour (4.4° vs 0.4°; P<.001) and at 2 weeks (5.8° vs 1.4°; P = .003). Eccentric grafts progressively warped between the 1-hour and 2-week points.
Conclusion
Meticulous concentric carving of costal cartilage grafts may minimize the complication of graft warping.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.