Correction of the Crooked Nose Using Custom-Made High-Density Porous Polyethylene Extended Spreader Grafts

Abstract

Correction of the crooked or deviated nose, a complex cosmetic and functional problem, is a big challenge for the rhinoplasty surgeon. Although corrections using a wide range of surgical techniques to straighten the nose and maximize nasal function have been proposed, recurrence is very common because of cartilage memory and scar contracture. Therefore, to prevent recurrence and to maintain the correction of the septum, a permanent support that is stable and strong, with the ability to maintain its given shape after placement on one or both sides of the septum, is needed. For this purpose, the authors planned to use a pair of custom-made high-density porous polyethylene (HDPP) extended spreader grafts. In this study, the concept and technique of HDPP, composed of a nonresorbable alloplastic material for correction of the crooked nose, and the authors' experience using it, are presented. Currently, HDPP is readily available on the market as a thin plain sheet (0.85 x 38 x 50 mm) that can be cut to an appropriate size for spreader grafts. Ingrowths of fibrous tissue inside and around HDPP stabilize the upper lateral cartilages and septum in their new corrected position and maintain the corrected/straightened position. This material was used in 20 patients with crooked noses (9 with C-type and 11 with S-type noses). During a mean follow-up period of 18 months (range, 8-30 months), there were no complications, recurrences, or extrusions. Functional evaluation was performed using a visual analog scale before surgery and 6 months after surgery. Patients were asked to score their nasal breathing on a scale ranging from 0 to 100. The mean preoperative value was 32.50% +/- 11.18%, and the postoperative value was 88.75% +/- 8.71%. In conclusion, the use of custom-made HDPP extended spreader grafts is a safe, effective, reliable, and permanent method for correction of the crooked nose. In the long term, the authors believe that custom-made HDPP extended spreader grafts provide functional recovery and increased strength against further trauma or forces of scar contracture, and have the ability to prevent recurrence attributable to cartilage memory.