Cartilage Grafts in Nasal Surgery

Abstract

Cartilage grafts are being used with increasing frequency in nasal surgery, particularly with the growing popularity of open rhinoplasty. The properties of cartilage that make it a preferred grafting material are discussed as well as the historical data relating to the survival of cartilage autografts and homografts. The preferred source of cartilage grafts has been the patient's septum. This is not always feasible because of prior surgical removal or inadequate strength or size. The purpose of this paper is to describe the types of cartilage grafts commonly available for use in nasal surgery. The advantages and limitations of each are discussed. Four clinical cases are presented, demonstrating the use of septal cartilage autograft, septal homograft, irradiated rib cartilage homograft, and conchal cartilage autograft.