Cartilage Graft Research Articles

Research progress of three-dimensional bioprinting technology in auricle repair and reconstruction

To review the research progress on the application of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology in auricle repair and reconstruction. The recent domestic and international research literature on 3D printing and auricle repair and reconstruction was extensively reviewed, and the concept of 3D bioprinting technology and research progress in auricle repair and reconstruction were summarized. The auricle possesses intricate anatomical structure and functionality, necessitating precise tissue reconstruction and morphological replication. Hence, 3D printing technology holds immense potential in auricle reconstruction. In contrast to conventional 3D printing technology, 3D bioprinting technology not only enables the simulation of auricular outer shape but also facilitates the precise distribution of cells within the scaffold during fabrication by incorporating cells into bioink. This approach mimics the composition and structure of natural tissues, thereby favoring the construction of biologically active auricular tissues and enhancing tissue repair outcomes. 3D bioprinting technology enables the reconstruction of auricular tissues, avoiding potential complications associated with traditional autologous cartilage grafting. The primary challenge in current research lies in identifying bioinks that meet both the mechanical requirements of complex tissues and biological criteria.

Versatility and Outcomes of ‘Mumbai Technique’ of Stacked Cartilage Grafts in Indian Rhinoplasty

Abstract Background Augmentation rhinoplasty requires graft with substantial volume. In cases where patient is reluctant to use costal cartilage, this can be done using septum and conchal cartilage graft. Using the technique of “stacked cartilage graft” an assembly is made using septum and conchal cartilage for nasal augmentation and contour defects. Although multilayered grafts have been described before, we propose an elaborate and effective method named after our city, Mumbai, to shape these grafts and highlight economical use of conchal and septal cartilage to overcome its limited volume. It also describes its clinical and aesthetic outcome of this technique in Indian patients. Methods A retrospective study from 2005 to 2020 was done in our institute. Data was collected from medical and hospital records. Preoperative and postoperative photographs were obtained for preoperative planning and outcome analysis. Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation score was used for outcome analysis. Minimum follow-up was 1 year in our study. Results A total of 210 patients were included in our study. In all cases, the stacked cartilage graft technique produced a natural appearing dorsum. Complications of cartilage such as resorption, extrusion, and warping were minimum. All the patients were satisfied with their results. Conclusion Although the limited volume of conchal cartilage is criticized, in reality it can be used effectively for larger requirement with “economy of use” using our technique. The curvatures and convolutions of conchal cartilage can be effectively neutralized by using this technique to obtain a smooth surface.However, this technique requires incorporation of every bit of cartilage and meticulous stacking of the pieces to get the desired shape. Thus, the stacked cartilage grafts have excellent versatility and produce natural and long-lasting results and minimal complications.

Correction of Constricted Ear – Case Report

Introduction. Congenital deformities of the outer ear are common; reported incidence are from 1:6000 to 1:6830 newborns. Multitude of corrective procedures are described in the literature. Purpose of the case study. The adequate surgical treatment of the congenital constricted ear remains a challenge. Selected tailor made approach should be employed on case by case basis, thus, in this study we present our case of moderate constricted ear and the used surgical procedures done under general anesthesia, as well as the outcome of the treatment. Case report. A 6 year old girl presented in pediatric and plastic surgery department with complaint of right ear deformity from birth and additional psychological effects such as increased difficulty in social integration and lack of self- confidence. On clinical examination, we considered as constricted ear grade IIB by Tanzel. Two separate procedures under general anesthesia were done. In the first procedure, advancement of the helix and otoplasty was performed; an effective expansion, of about 1 cm in the length of the pinna was obtained. In the second procedure, about 0.5 cm expansion of the helix was performed, and also the breadth of the pinna. Conclusion. In our case, combination of Mustardé suture, helix advancement and helix cartilage graft in moderate constricted ear were a useful surgical option, producing aesthetically good results in a simple and effective way.

Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Concentrated Growth Factor on Viability of Ultra-Diced Cartilage Grafts in a Rabbit Model

Although rhinoplastic surgery has progressed considerably in recent years, nasal dorsal irregularities still cause postoperative distress for both surgeons and patients. The aim of this study was to measure the association between two biologic graft adjuncts, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and concentrated growth factor (CGF), and ultra-diced cartilage viability in an animal model. This study was designed as a randomized in-vivo study using a rabbit model. Fourteen rabbits were utilized in this investigation. The ultra-diced cartilage was obtained from auricular cartilage. The graft biologic adjunct is the predictor variable. There were three treatment groups: graft mixed with PRP or CGF or untreated (control). The grafts were placed in three separate pockets opened on the same rabbit. Grafts were harvested 3months after insertion for analysis. The primary outcome variable was histopathological and regenerative scores obtained from multiple histopathological parameters indicating the viability of the cartilage. Histopathological score parameters were chondrocyte loss, inflammation, fibrosis, cartilage fragmentation, and calcified area formations in the lacunae. Regenerative score parameters were peripheral cell proliferation in the cartilage tissue, vascularization in the connective tissue, proteoglycan increase in the matrix, and the amount of connective tissue. The variables were age, sex, and weight. Statistical analysis employed the analysis of variance test, with a significance level of P<.05. The sample was composed of 14 rabbits and 42 samples. The histopathologic scores were 11.93 (±2.49), 8.78 (±2.19), and 6.85 (±1.46) for the control, PRP, and CGF groups, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found in the PRP (P<.0275) and CGF (P<.0001) groups compared to the control group. The regenerative scores were 6.21 (±0.97), 8.85 (±1.70), and 12.07 (±1.26) for the control, PRP and CGF groups, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found in the PRP (P<.0159) and CGF (P<.0001) groups compared to the control group. This is the first study investigating the ultra-diced cartilage graft in an experimental animal model. Histopathological examination has shown that mixing ultra-diced cartilage with CGF or PRP increases viability by reducing the histopathological score and increasing the regenerative score.

Hybrid Chin Advancement: Combining Fat and Sliced Cartilage Grafts for Chin Augmentation During Rhinoplasty

BackgroundFacial balance significantly impacts aesthetics, particularly in the middle and lower thirds. Patients with chin retrusion often benefit from sagittal plane chin advancement in rhinoplasty, enhancing surgical outcomes and satisfaction.ObjectivesThis article presents a method for analyzing chin deformities and discusses a hybrid treatment approach to harmonize facial features, complementing rhinoplasty.MethodsThe chin positions of patients treated by the senior author were assessed. A retrospective analysis included 49 patients with chin retrusion of 2.5–6 mm. Among them, 22 patients initially offered chin implants declined, leading to planned chin augmentation. Fat grafting was exclusively performed for 20 patients lacking sufficient cartilage. The "Hybrid Chin Advancement" technique involved supporting tissues beneath muscles with nasal septum cartilage and fat injections and tissues above muscles with fat injection alone.ResultsPre- and postoperative Legan angle measurements and chin advancements were compared across three groups. While preoperative Legan angles were statistically similar, postoperative Legan angles and advancement changes were significantly higher in the implant group (p < 0.0001). Comparing hybrid chin advancement and fat grafting groups, postoperative Legan angles and advancement changes were significantly higher in the hybrid chin group (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsFat grafting suffices for mild advancements (~ 2 mm), while the hybrid chin method is effective for moderate advancements (~ 4 mm). For advancements exceeding 6 mm, implants or osseous genioplasty are optimal. Our study’s hybrid approach offers an easy, safe, and reliable method for achieving facial harmony in the lower two-thirds without compromising patient expectations.Level of Evidence IVThis journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

L-Strut Cartilage Graft: A Versatile Graft in Functional Rhinoplasty.

Anterior and high septal deviation can severely affect the functional and cosmetic outcomes of a patient. Conventional septoplasty would not be sufficient in these conditions to restore the functionality and aesthetics of a nose, and the majority of the patients require L-shaped grafts for the reconstruction of the septum. In the present study, we shared our experience in using an L-strut cartilage graft in functional rhinoplasty. It is a retrospective study of 60 patients who underwent septorhinoplasty from March 2020 to January 2023 using an L-strut cartilage graft for functional and aesthetic abnormality. The functional and aesthetic outcomes have been evaluated and compared before and 12months after the surgery. L-strut cartilage graft was used in 60 cases of functional rhinoplasty. There was a significant improvement in the functional and aesthetic outcomes in all the cases (p < 0.05). No significant intraoperative and postoperative complications were detected in any of the patients until 12months of follow-up. L-strut cartilage graft could be a versatile graft that can be successfully utilized in patients with gross anterior/dorsal septal deviation. It provides a stable, straight midline fixation of the neoseptum, ensuring good functional and aesthetic results without major complications.

Comparison of the efficacy of fat, cartilage, and bone grafts in traumatic and asymmetric noses

BackgroundCorrection of asymmetry and irregularity deformities with autologous grafts, without osteotomies, offers advantages to both plastic surgeons and patients with severe deviation. Various autologous tissues such as fat, bone, and cartilage grafts are viable options for this purpose. ObjectivesThis study aims to compare the efficacy of three autologous filling materials in patients with bone asymmetry. MethodsA retrospective evaluation was conducted on 297 patients seeking aesthetic nose surgery between 2015 and 2022. Only primary patients without prior surgery, those with bone asymmetry from trauma, dorsum protrusion less than 3 mm, and no osteotomy were included. Patients were divided into fat, cartilage, and bone groups. Grafts were applied to the concave side during closed rhinoplasty, and evaluations were done at 12 months post-surgery by blinded plastic surgeons and patients using established assessment tools. ResultsFat, cartilage, and bone grafts were utilized in 74, 127, and 96 patients respectively, with mean follow-up of 19 months. Mean graft volumes were 1.0 cc (bone), 1.3 cc (cartilage), and 1.6 cc (fat). Patient self-assessment scores were 75%, 84.9%, and 86.6% respectively. Asher-McDade averages were 77.2%, 86.7%, and 88.4%. Cartilage and bone graft results were statistically similar in patient self-evaluation, both significantly higher than fat grafts. Blinded assessments showed no significant difference between cartilage and bone groups. ConclusionPlacing autologous grafts on the concave side for patients with minimal nasal bone protrusion (<3 mm) yields successful results. Cartilage grafts offer advantages in volume, result estimation, and preparation time, suitable for larger patient cohorts.

Tissue engineering approach to the creation of grafting material for rhinoplasty: clinical сase reports

The use of autologous cartilage and bone grafts remains the gold standard in augmentation rhinoplasty performed to reconstruct of the nasal dorsum. Meanwhile, limited number of available sources, donor site morbidity, and unpredictable graft resorption represent significant disadvantages of autografting. The aim of this study is to test combination of autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and commercially available bone substitutes (BSs) as new tissue-engineered grafting material (GM) for rhinoplasty. A series of consecutive cases includes four adult patients who underwent rhinoplasty to correct saddle nose deformity (SND) using the new graft technique. SVF was isolated from liposuction aspirate using standard methodology of enzymatic digestion. Two types of BSs were combined with SVF: Bio-Oss granules to create a moldable graft (M-graft), and block-shaped BoneMedik-S to create rigid grafts (R-grafts). The moderate SND was treated using an M-graft. In case of major or complex SND, the nasal dorsum was reconstructed with dorso-columellar L-shaped framework made of R-grafts. The results were evaluated over a period of 6 months to 3 years postoperatively using photogrammetry and FACE-Q appearance appraisal scales. Computerised tomography (CT) scanning of the reconstructed nose and histological analysis of grafted material were also carried out. No complications were observed. The photograms show the restoration of the correct contour of the nose. FACE-Q appraisal scale scores increased significantly, including satisfaction with nose appearance, psychological well-being, and social function. In CT evaluation, there was no substantial resorption or warping of the grafts. Histological findings show osteogenic remodeling of the grafted material. Thus, combining autologous SVF with BSs is a promising strategy for developing rhinoplasty GM.

Double crosslinked hyaluronic acid and collagen as a potential bioink for cartilage tissue engineering

The avascular nature of hyaline cartilage results in limited spontaneous self-repair and regenerative capabilities when damaged. Recent advances in three-dimensional bioprinting have enabled the precise dispensing of cell-laden biomaterials, commonly referred to as ‘bioinks’, which are emerging as promising solutions for tissue regeneration. An effective bioink for cartilage tissue engineering needs to create a micro-environment that promotes cell differentiation and supports neocartilage tissue formation. In this study, we introduced an innovative bioink composed of photocurable acrylated type I collagen (COLMA), thiol-modified hyaluronic acid (THA), and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) for 3D bioprinting cartilage grafts using human nasal chondrocytes. Both collagen and hyaluronic acid, being key components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the human body, provide essential biological cues for tissue regeneration. We evaluated three formulations – COLMA, COLMA+THA, and COLMA+THA+PEGDA – for their printability, cell viability, structural integrity, and capabilities in forming cartilage-like ECM. The addition of THA and PEGDA significantly enhanced these properties, showcasing the potential of this bioink in advancing applications in cartilage repair and reconstructive surgery.

Correction and prevention of tip asymmetries, bossae, and alar retraction

Secondary rhinoplasty to address complications from initial surgical intervention is a technically challenging operation. Common aesthetic complications that plague patients after primary rhinoplasty include nasal tip asymmetries, bossae, and alar retraction. These adverse outcomes are usually a result of over-manipulation and/or over-excision of native cartilage and are especially prevalent in patients with thick lower lateral cartilages and thin nasal skin. Techniques to minimize tissue handling, maintain natural nasal anatomic support and structure, and soften sharp edges from cartilage grafts or incisions are all essential in the prevention of nasal tip irregularities. In addition to prevention, there are many operative and procedural interventions to correct tip asymmetries, bossae, and alar retraction. These interventional corrections include varying cartilage and/or fascial grafts, camouflaging of previously performed grafts, and repositioning of the alar cartilage.

Comparison of Resorption in Autogenous Dorsal Onlay Cartilage Grafts: An Experimental Study.

The present study was designed to compare the graft resorption characteristics of autogenous cartilage from the septum, auricle, and costal in the superficial muscular aponeurotic system of the nasal dorsum of the rabbit model. Equal-sized perichondrium-free septal, auricular, and costal cartilage grafts were collected from fifteen New Zealand white rabbits. Cartilage grafts were taken at the scale of two grafts from each animal's ear, two from its costal part, and one from its septum. Costal cartilage grafts that were shaped with a micro-motor device and monopolar electrocautery, elastic cartilage grafts that were shaped with a micro-motor device and monopolar electrocautery, and septal cartilage grafts that were shaped with a scalpel were all implanted into the dorsum of rabbit's noses to create five groups. All autogenous cartilage tissues were removed 3months later. Cartilages were evaluated for histological features, graft mass, and chondrocyte density resorption. The elastic cartilage group, where electrocautery was used to shape the cartilage, had a higher resorption score than the other groups. The costal cartilage graft shaped with a micro-motor was also observed to have the best cartilage regeneration score. We observed that the resorption of costal cartilage was lower than that of ear and septum cartilage. It was determined that micro-motor application for the shaping process caused less resorption and stimulated more regeneration than cautery application. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Outcomes of surgical repair of Type III and IV laryngotracheoesophageal clefts with posterior cartilage grafting.

To describe the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent surgical repair through an anterior approach that involved interposition a posterior cartilage for Type III or Type IV laryngotracheoesophageal cleft (LTEC). A chart view was performed on patients with Type III or Type IV LTEC between May 2017 and May 2022. Demographic features and surgical outcomes were collected and analyzed. Seven patients were finally included. Five patients were diagnosed with Type III LTEC and two patients were diagnosed with Type IV LTEC. All but one patients survived and thrived. Four patients were able to successfully extubate with acceptable voice, and two patients were tracheostomized. Five patients were deemed safe for all consistencies food and one was safe for thickened food. After a mean follow-up of 49months (18-83months), neither complications nor recurrences were observed. An anterior laryngofissure approach to the cleft repair with a posterior cartilage grafting is an effective and safe treatment for Type III or IV LTEC, which enables closure of LTEC and reconstruction of cricoid plate in order to avoid tracheoesophageal fistula formation or subglottic stenosis postoperatively. Severe tracheomalacia and GERD are two main causes for surgical failure.

Auto Cartilaginous Tympanoplasty for Tympanic Membrane Defects in Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology: Clinical Outcomes and Hearing Improvement

Chronic otitis media with persistent tympanic membrane perforation remains a challenging issue in pediatric otology. Objective: To examine the outcomes of autocartilaginous tympanoplasty in children with total and subtotal tympanic membrane defects. Methods and materials: Eighteen patients (age range: 3-15 years) underwent surgical treatment using the retroauricular approach. A cartilage graft harvested from the tragus and temporal fascia was utilized for tympanic membrane reconstruction. Results: Postoperative evaluations revealed successful restoration of tympanic membrane integrity in 88.8% of cases and hearing improvement in 94.4% of cases in the long-term follow-up. Auto Cartilaginous tympanoplasty demonstrates promise for enhancing the efficacy of tympanoplasty in pediatric otorhinolaryngology.

Outcome of Myringoplasty with Temporal Fascia and With Sliced Tragal Cartilage Graft-A Comparative Study

Introduction: Myringoplasty is the surgical procedure to repair tympanic membrane perforations and thereby improving hearing, providing a dry ear, and reducing susceptibility to infections. Although there are many kinds of techniques and graft materials used, no methods have proven indisputably superior to the other. Therefore, to find out the outcome of myringoplasty using temporal fascia and sliced tragal cartilage in chronic inactive mucosal otitis media was set as an objective of the study. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the department of Otolaryngology &amp; Head-Neck surgery, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital (ShSMCH) for six months from July 2018 to December 2018, after acceptance of the protocol and approval from IRB. Patients attending in the ShSMCH with complaints of chronic inactive mucosal otitis media were approached for inclusion of the study and final selection were done in according to the selection criteria. Ethical issues were ensured properly throughout the study period and inclusion was confirmed following signing written informed consent. All patients were randomly allocated into two groups where one group were received myringoplasty with temporalis fascia graft and another group received sliced tragal cartilage. Total 50 patients (25 patients in each group) were included, and they were subjected to details history taking, physical examination and necessary investigations. The researcher conducted all the interview and collected data were recorded into a case record form for each patient. Data analysis was done by SPSS 17. Results: Of total, 50 study population, mean age of the 32.30±10.93 SD (years) with 58% male and 42% females respectively. No significant age and gender difference is noted across the group (p&gt;0.05). Patients having temporal fascia graft had significantly higher proportion of graft uptake in comparison to patients having sliced tragal graft (p&lt;0.05). Both groups of the patient improve significantly in term of hearing after operation (p&lt;0.05 in each group) but comparison in between groups showed that the improvement was significantly higher in temporal fascia graft group (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Myringoplasty with temporal fascia graft could be a better option than sliced tragal cartilage graft in our population. However, further larger study with longer follow up is necessary to finalize the comment. Medicine Today 2023 Vol.36 (1): 50-54

Total Lower Lateral Cartilage Reconstruction in Multiple Revision Rhinoplasty Patients.

The aim of this study is to demonstrate a novel surgical technique of total lower lateral cartilage reconstruction using costal cartilage grafts in multiple revision rhinoplasty cases. Total lower lateral cartilage reconstruction technique was utilized in 24 patients who underwent open technique septorhinoplasty between 2019 and 2023. Fourteen of the patients were female, and 10 were male. In this technique, we performed total lower lateral cartilage reconstruction in multiple revision cases where the support of both medial and lateral crura was poor. In cases where only the medial crus or only the lateral crus support was inadequate, we performed reconstruction only for the poorly supported portion. A new lower lateral cartilage was created with grafts obtained from the costal cartilage. The mean age of the patients was 23. The mean follow-up time of the patients was between 6 and 18 months. No complications were observed due to this technique. Satisfactory results were obtained in the postoperative period after surgery. Multiple revision rhinoplasties present significant difficulties due to complicated nasal anatomy and weakened lower lateral cartilages. We have shown that successful results can be achieved in these complex cases with total lower lateral cartilage reconstruction using costal cartilage grafts. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Rhinoplasty for unilateral cleft lip deformity

Cleft nasal deformity is most common sequel after cleft lip and palate surgery. The severity of the nasal deformity is usually decided by initial cleft state, previous operation skill and postoperative care. Secondary cleft rhinoplasty for unilateral cleft patient requires both esthetic and functional results. Understanding the anatomic defect and growth potential after cleft operation help to perform favorable secondary rhinoplasty. Surgical methods for deformed cleft nose are diverse and each methods have pros and cons. Closed or open rhinoplasty with or without cartilage graft and piriform augmentation are the mainstay for cleft rhinoplasty. The purpose of this study was to describe current concepts in secondary rhinoplasty for unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity. Secondary rhinoplasty for cleft patients requires an understanding of the anatomic situation, and the use of cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty techniques for its successful management.

3D printing of Ceffe-infused scaffolds for tailored nipple-like cartilage development

The reconstruction of a stable, nipple-shaped cartilage graft that precisely matches the natural nipple in shape and size on the contralateral side is a clinical challenge. While 3D printing technology can efficiently and accurately manufacture customized complex structures, it faces limitations due to inadequate blood supply, which hampers the stability of nipple-shaped cartilage grafts produced using this technology. To address this issue, we employed a biodegradable biomaterial, Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), loaded with Cell-Free Fat Extract (Ceffe). Ceffe has demonstrated the ability to promote angiogenesis and cell proliferation, making it an ideal bio-ink for bioprinting precise nipple-shaped cartilage grafts. We utilized the Ceffe/PLGA scaffold to create a porous structure with a precise nipple shape. This scaffold exhibited favorable porosity and pore size, ensuring stable shape maintenance and satisfactory biomechanical properties. Importantly, it could release Ceffe in a sustained manner. Our in vitro results confirmed the scaffold’s good biocompatibility and its ability to promote angiogenesis, as evidenced by supporting chondrocyte proliferation and endothelial cell migration and tube formation. Furthermore, after 8 weeks of in vivo culture, the Ceffe/PLGA scaffold seeded with chondrocytes regenerated into a cartilage support structure with a precise nipple shape. Compared to the pure PLGA group, the Ceffe/PLGA scaffold showed remarkable vascular formation, highlighting the beneficial effects of Ceffe. These findings suggest that our designed Ceffe/PLGA scaffold with a nipple shape represents a promising strategy for precise nipple-shaped cartilage regeneration, laying a foundation for subsequent nipple reconstruction.

Use of Intraoperative Template for the Reconstruction of Septal Replacement Graft.

Anterior and caudal deviation of the septumcan severely affect a patient's functional and cosmetic outcomes, especially seen in crooked noses. Hence, extracorporeal septoplasty is often performed where an L-shaped septal replacement graft replaces the septum to restore the functionality and aesthetics of the nose. Although an L-shaped graft can be reconstructed with the help of a caliper, the exact length and angulation between the two cartilages cannot be accurately assessed intraoperatively and preoperatively and the graft needs repeated modification. In contrast, an L-shaped template can be easily made from a wrapper of suture material and can be customized to make the neoseptum. The cartilage graft can be exactly matched to the template, which can later be successfully used as a neoseptum. We have documented using the intraoperative template to make an accurate neoseptum in a crooked nose.Level of Evidence IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Endoscopic Broad Palisade Cartilage Graft Without Raising a Tympanomeatal Flap in the Repair of Subtotal Perforation.

Objective: This study evaluated the outcome of a broad palisade cartilage graft in the repair of subtotal perforation. Study Design: Prospective case series. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study of 43 patients with subtotal perforations who underwent an endoscopic broad palisade cartilage graft procedure that did not include raising a tympanomeatal flap. The patients were followed up for 6 months. Results: The 43 patients (43 ears) included in this study had a mean operation time of 38.6 ± 7.4 minutes. Five (11.6%) patients were lost to follow-up; 38 (88.4%) completed the 6 month follow-up. The graft success rate in the latter was 92.1% (35/38). Audiological testing showed no sensorineural threshold shift. The mean preoperative air-bone gap (ABG) was 28.4 ± 5.1 dB, while the mean ABG at 6 months postoperatively was 13.6 ± 3.1 dB; the difference between these values was significant (P < .05; paired samples t test). According to the audiometry assessment, the successful surgery rate (postoperative ABG ≤ 20 dB) was 89.5% (34/38). No graft-related complications (eg, graft lateralization, significant blunting, graft medialization) were encountered during the follow-up period. However, granular myringitis with minimal moistness but without infection was noted in 5.3% (2/38) of the patients. Conclusions: In the repair of subtotal perforation, an endoscopic broad palisade cartilage graft, performed without raising a tympanomeatal flap, is simple and feasible, resulting in a high graft success rate and good hearing restoration.

Effects of Cutting Planes on Costal Cartilage Warping.

Autogenous costal cartilage becomes a favorable choice for nasal reconstruction and complicated aesthetic rhinoplasty, due to its ample supply, sufficient for most patients. However, a notable drawback is the potential for warping. Our study aims to identify cutting planes that minimize warping. Two hundred and seven costal cartilage grafts were obtained by slicing the extracted costal cartilages from 10 fresh cadavers, along three main planes: cephalocaudal, anteroposterior, and parallel to the synchondrosis plane. Each of these major planes was further divided into grafts taken from both the central and peripheral portions. Furthermore, both subgroups were categorized into three thicknesses: 1mm, 2mm, and 3mm. The warping angles of all grafts were then compared at various time intervals after the initial cutting. Cephalocaudal cuts exhibited significantly greater warping than other planes. Anteroposterior cuts displayed the least warping, although this difference lacked statistical significance. Peak warping occurred at 30 minutes. Certain grafts continued to warp even at 1 month. Central grafts had less warping than peripheral ones, though not statistically significant. Cephalocaudal cuts yielded the highest warping angle. Surgeons seeking thin (< 3 mm) straight grafts should opt for anteroposterior or parallel to synchondrosis planes. Thicker grafts (> 3 mm) can be cut in the cephalocaudal plane with an acceptable warping angle, close to parallel with the synchondrosis plane. For curved cartilage, thin cephalocaudal cut is recommended. Additionally, we suggest placing the cartilage in normal saline for at least 30 minutes, allowing for maximum warping to occur.