Oblique Split Technique in Septal Reconstruction

Abstract

The septum is considered to be the most important anatomical structure in providing nasal support. Because of a variety of potential etiologies nasal septum could be severely deformed or even diminished. Autogenous cartilage has generally been considered the gold standard grafting material in reconstructive septal surgery for creating the infrastructure of the nose. In the restructuring of the nasal skeleton autogenous cartilage can be harvested from the auricle or the rib. For the major septal problems requiring a large volume of tissues with severe structural defects costal cartilage is considered the best graft material. Apart from its advantages, warping has been the main problem with costal cartilage grafting. Oblique split method, provides straight costal cartilage grafts of varying thicknesses without the risk of warping. Segmental reconstruction of the L-strut with oblique split method, composed of dorsal and caudal struts, enables fine adjustment of height of the reconstructed septum.