Tip Grafts Research Articles

Utilization of Leech Therapy after Rhinoplasty.

The use of medicinal leeches in modern reconstructive surgery is well-described. Leech therapy after rhinoplasty has not been previously well-characterized. The medical records of all patients who underwent open rhinoplasty by a single surgeon over a 4-year period were reviewed. Patient demographics, including age, sex, medical comorbidities, number of previous rhinoplasty surgeries, time to utilization of leech therapy, adjunct therapies used, resolution of skin changes, and smoking status, were recorded. Operative reports were reviewed for pertinent information, including number of tip grafts used, graft materials used, and placement of septal extension grafts or "unicorn" grafts. Between April of 2016 and March of 2020, 545 patients underwent rhinoplasty performed by the senior author (P.S.N.). Of these patients, 39 (7.2 percent) underwent leech therapy postoperatively. The mean age of included patients was 47.4 years. Of the patients who required leech therapy, 34 (87.2 percent) had undergone revision rhinoplasty. The mean number of previous rhinoplasties was 3.4. The mean number of tip grafts used was 2.6. Thirty-three patients (84.6 percent) had either a traditional septal extension graft or unicorn graft placed. Nine patients (23.1 percent) were former smokers. Complete resolution of skin color changes was seen in 38 patients (97.4 percent). There were no major complications after leech therapy. Leech therapy is a useful tool for the rhinoplasty surgeon, particularly in the setting of complex revision rhinoplasty, in patients who have undergone multiple previous nasal surgical procedures, or in patients who require significant cartilage grafting to reconstruct the nasal tip or lengthen the nose. Therapeutic, IV.

The Plug-in Graft, the Essential Supplement for a Stable Cartilaginous Framework in Rhinoplasty.

A stable cartilaginous framework establishes the foundation for a successful rhinoplasty procedure. However, the curvature of the anterior septal angle usually does not match the added tip graft, leaving a structural gap that can cause postoperative rotation of the nasal tip. A supplementary graft is required to fill this gap, consolidating this structure in 3 dimensions. The aim of this study was to detail and validate the utilization of a graft that fills the structural gap, producing a more stabilized framework and better-sustained tip position in the long term. The counterrotating force applied intraoperatively and the complications that arose were collected retrospectively. Three-dimensional stereophotogrammetric evaluations were performed. Anthropometric points were analyzed in a blinded fashion. Outcome variables were tip projection, nasal length, Goode's ratio, and tip rotation. Results were compared statistically. Thirty-one female patients, ranging in age from 18 to 41 years, completed the study. Intraoperative measurements of rotation indicated an unequivocal stabilizing effect of the plug-in graft. Postoperative analysis showed excellent maintenance of the tip position over time. Tip projection and nasolabial angle decreased slightly over time, but the differences were not statistically different. The plug-in graft evidently consolidates the entire cartilaginous framework in rib-based rhinoplasty procedures. This anatomically integrated structure establishes the fundamental groundwork which provides uncompromising support for the tip graft, thereby achieving an aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting outcome. When executed properly, this graft is effective in maintaining postoperative tip position, justifying the technical challenges involved and the prolonged operating time.

Double Layer Lateral Crural Perichondrial Flap for Coverage and Stabilization of Tip Graft.

Tip plasty is the most important step of rhinoplasty. To achieve symmetrical cartilages with ideal tip rotation, projection and supratip break many techniques were defined. Besides suture techniques, tip grafts still maintain their importance and widely used among surgeons. However, graft visibility and distortion are the main drawbacks of this technique. In this study double-layered lateral crural perichondrial flap technique was introduced to prevent graft visibility and distortion as a novel technique. A total of 16 patients who underwent rhinoplasty with this novel technique were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patient satisfaction was assessed with Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation Questionnaire (ROE-Q). Graft visibility and asymmetry of tip defining point as an indicator of graft distortion were evaluated by two independent Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgeons. Pre and postoperative photographs were taken and used for evaluation. A three-point Likert scale was used for assessment. Cohen's Kappa statistic and percent agreement test were usedtotest inter-rater reliability RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 15 months (ranging between 12 and 19 months). According to the ROE-Q score, the mean total preoperative score was 6,25 and the mean total postoperative score was 18,06 (p<0,05). No or minimal evident graft visibility and asymmetry of tip defining point was observed in 12 patients and 10 patients, respectively. Mild evident graft visibility was observed in only 1 patient with thin skin. Severe evident graft visibility or asymmetry of tip defining point was not observed in none of the patients. The double-layer crural perichondrial flap was an effective and sufficient method for preventing graft visibility and graft distortion. Features like easy and fast flap elevation, no additional comorbidity, being autologous tissue and sufficient flap length and thickness make this technique valuable and useful. 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 .

Septal Bony Paste Graft: A Life-Saving Material in Rhinoplasty Camouflage.

Although cartilage tissue is a priority material in both structural grafting and camouflage, in some special cases, there is not enough material for camouflage due to cartilage insufficiency after it is used in structural grafting. In these cases, it is vital that the bony parts of the septum be prepared as a paste graft and applied for camouflage. The author retrospectively reviewed 62 rhinoplasty patients in whom septal bony paste grafts were applied during surgery from April 2018 to December 2019. A total of 56 patients were female, and 6 were male. The average age was 28 years old (range 18 to 52). The follow-up period ranged between 12 and 29 months (mean: 20.5). Septal bony paste grafts were prepared using a microrasp attached to a motor system. Septal bony paste grafts were used for camouflage of osteotomy lines in 59 patients, dorsum smoothing in 47 patients, camouflage of tip grafts in 36 patients, and camouflage of dorsal onlay grafts in 21 patients. No serious complications related to septal bony paste graft application, including functional or aesthetic complications, were encountered. A septal bony paste graft can be applied for camouflage in rhinoplasty in cases where there is not sufficient cartilage tissue for this purpose. A microrasp attached to a motor system can be used for effective and rapid preparation of the septal bony paste graft. 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 .

Bilateral Tip Add-On Grafts: Concept, Applications and Complications in East Asian Rhinoplasty.

A solid tip support plays the fundamental role in augmentation rhinoplasty for East Asians. However, the soft tissue envelope is sometimes limited; the bilateral alae and mucosae cannot be transposed to consolidate the full course of the strut. A graft thatserves for the ultimate purpose of elongating the valid length of the strutis therefore necessary. Forty-one female patients, ranging in age from 19 to 35 years (average 26.5 years), received augmentation rhinoplasty surgery that was supplemented by the applications of the bilateral accessory add-on tip grafts. The tip projection was established by columellar strut or septal extension grafts. These crescent-shaped grafts acted like a bridge between the alae and the strut, which aim to provide supplementary volume and surface area to help reduce tension and further define the width and shape of the nasal tip. Patients' own evaluations on the overall improvements of the nose rendered high satisfaction rate. During the follow-up, six cases presented deviated columella and asymmetrical nostrils; three cases had deformed dorsal profile due to graft warping or resorption at 12 to 18-month period postoperatively, and were corrected during revision surgeries. No other major complications were encountered. These accessory tip add-on grafts are intrinsically applicable for East Asians rhinoplasty surgeries. Instead of being utilized as a routine graft for normal circumstances, this pair of accessory tips is an expedient measure to solve a difficult situation. This graft will be particularly necessary in managing a severely short nose with interior soft tissue insufficiency. 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 .

Augmentation of the urethral plate in the glans penis area and the distal urethra – effective method of fistula correction in children with hypospadias

Background. Important causes of complications of hypospadias repair are the deficit of tissues for plastic surgery, grooveless and small size of glans, obliteration of the urethral platewith varying degrees of scarring. The coronal urethral fistula is the most common complication of urethroplasty. Surgeons continue to search for reliable methods of correction of complications.Materials and methods. Between 2011 and 2019, 85 children aged 2 and 17 years presented with coronal fistula of urethra after hypospadias repair. (TIP) Snodgrass – 78 (91.7 %) and Mathiue – 7 (8.2 %) procedures have been performed them earlier. In our clinic previously operated 28 (32 %) boys, primary surgery of the remaining 57 (67 %) was performed in other medical institutions.Results. All patients (85), conditionally, were divided into two groups. The first group included 39 children (45.8 %), with stitching a fistula, the second group consisted of 46 patients (54.1 %), with augmentation of the urethral plate of the glans and distal urethra with the implantation of a rectangular preputial or oral mucosa free graft. Recurrent urethral fistula after stitching was observed in 10 boys (25.6 %) of the first group, and only in 2 cases (4.3 %) in children with the augmentation of the urethral plate (p &lt;0.05). The decrease of urine flow according to the data of uroflowmetry was observed in 15 patients (52 %) the first group, the children of the second group did not have a decrease in the flow of urine.Discussion. The shape, size of the glans and the condition of the urethral plate affect to the result of urethroplasty. The connection of the wings of the glans in accordance with normal anatomy, avoid obstruction in the distal part of urethra. A wide urethra in the glans and meatal area improves urine flow. Conclusion. The augmentation of the urethral plate of the penile glans and the distal urethra with the implantation of a wide rectangular free flap in to the meatus, in our opinion, an advantage over the implantation of diamond-shaped grafts using the GTIP or TIP graft technique.

Rhinoplasty in the Older Adult.

Rhinoplasty in older adults requires unique consideration of the aging nose. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature pertaining to rhinoplasty in the aging population, review the senior author's experience, and describe techniques aimed at addressing age-related features. It was hypothesized that consistent age-related nasal dysmorphology is described in the literature and standard rhinoplasty techniques may effectively address these changes. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that rhinoplasty is more commonly performed for posttraumatic and functional indications than for aesthetic reasons. A literature review including publications describing rhinoplasty in patients over 55 years old was conducted. Additionally, a retrospective review of the senior author's cases was performed. Pre- and postoperative photographs were used to compare anthropometric changes. Demographic factors, surgical indications, and operative details were collected. Nine articles met the study criteria. Manifestations of the aging nose included soft tissue atrophy, bony fragility and resorption, tip ptosis, internal and external valve collapse, and worsening dorsal hump. Twenty-seven patients were included in this institutional review. Primary indication for rhinoplasty was posttraumatic deformity in 17 (63%) patients and nasal obstructive symptoms in 10 (37%) patients. Tip refinement and ptosis were addressed through tip grafts (70%), columellar struts (26%), and caudal septal extension grafts (67%). Nasal obstruction was relieved through septoplasty (96%), turbinate ablation (85%), and spreader grafts (70%). This study presents a systematic review of rhinoplasty in the older adult as well as a retrospective review of the senior author's patients. Unique considerations specific to this population should be integrated into treatment planning.

Experience With Autologous Nasal Septum Cartilage Combined With Conchal Cartilage in Nasal Tip Reconstruction.

There has been an increase in use of autologous costal cartilage for nasal tip shaping material. However, there are deficiencies in using this plastic material, such as a hard nasal tip, poor nasal tip elasticity and mobility postoperatively, and some nasal tip skin thinning that allows the shape of the cartilage grafts to be felt on the surface of the nasal tip skin. To address these problems, we have combined autologous nasal septum cartilage and conchal cartilage as nasal tip graft materials, which achieve a natural shape and realistic touch postoperatively. From January 2017 to September 2019, a total of 47 patients with nasal septal cartilage combined with conchal cartilage transplantation for nasal tip plasty were screened for a retrospective study. They were followed up and evaluated for 6 to 25 months postoperatively. The operation was performed through an incision in the nose. During the operation, a piece of septal cartilage was cut to make a columella strut. Using one side of the cavitas conchae and cymba conchae cartilage as the graft material, 2 long strips of cartilage were excised for the septum extension graft, and a piece of cap cartilage was transplanted to the top of the nasal tip cartilage scaffold. The time between the operation and follow-up was greater than 6 months, with the range of follow-up and evaluation being from 6 to 25 months. Forty-six patients were satisfied with the shape of the nose. One patient complained that the nasal tip was round and large after 1 month postoperatively, but after 6 months, he was satisfied with the shape of the nasal tip after daily use of a nasal clip. In one male case, the implant was removed more than 7 months postoperatively because of hematoma and infection secondary to nasal trauma. There were 2 cases of nasal tip numbness, both of which recovered spontaneously after 12 months. After the operation, the shape of the nasal tip was round, no cartilage contour was seen on the surface, no collapse of upper nasal tip, no obvious deviation of the nasal dorsum and columella, and no deformation and displacement of the nasal tip cartilage scaffold. At the 6-month follow-up visit, each patient palpated the nasal tip for evaluation. Most patients felt their nose felt realistic and that they had good nasal tip motion. Only 1 patient felt that the nasal tip and the nasal dorsum were moving together when the tip of the nose was being pushed. Nasal septum cartilage and conchal cartilage can be combined as a graft material for reconstruction of the nasal tip. This technique uses different characteristics of each of the 2 cartilages to achieve a more realistic and esthetic outcome.

Open Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is often considered the black box of plastic surgery. This apprehension can be overcome by having a fine-tuned understanding of nasal anatomy, developing an appreciation for nasal aesthetics, and becoming well-versed in the array of surgical techniques available to address specific cosmetic and functional concerns. Technical care and finesse are required in this type of surgery, where even 1 mm of change can result in a profound difference. Nasal function must also be assessed and preserved during rhinoplasty. Aside from these technical points, it is equally important to accurately and thoroughly understand each patient’s goals and to communicate the realistic outcomes and limitations of what can be done through surgery. Key words: open rhinoplasty, nasal anatomy, nasofacial analysis, rhinoplasty techniques, rhinoplasty preoperative evaluation, rhinoplasty postoperative management, lateral nasal osteotomies, nasal tip grafts, nasal tip suture techniques This review contains 23 figures, 2 tables, and 43 references.

Double Columellar Strut: A New Method for Tip Surgery-A Study of 642 Cases with a 15-Year Follow-up.

Of the first nasal tip modeling procedures performed, the Anderson tripod concept is the most well known, and many anatomy-related studies have analyzed the components involved in tip surgery. The main goals of nasal tip surgery are to stabilize the tip complex, which largely affects the shape, projection and rotation of the nasal tip. The present study describes a new, original method, the double columellar strut and its main advantages compared to conventional techniques used for structural rhinoplasty. The study involved 642 patients (496 women and 146 men, with an average age of 38.67years) who underwent surgery between 2004 and 2018 by two operators. The patients were re-examined to evaluate the outcomes at least 1year after surgery, and long-term results (15years) were recorded for the oldest patients in regard to esthetics (projection, shape, rotation) and breathing function. Of the 642 patients, 34 required a surgical revision for minor defects of the tip due to asymmetry, and the natural appearance after the first surgery was not affected. For the primary rhinoplasties, there were no breathing disorders that required revision surgery due to systematic restoration or preservation of the middle third. The double columellar strut could be performed in the same conditions that the others conventional structural grafts. As a polyvalent alternative, it can be used with closed or open approaches and involves the use of only a limited amount of cartilaginous material. This anatomical approach yields natural results, acting as a foundation for controlling the shape, projection and rotation of the nasal tip. In addition, with or without complementary techniques such as the "tongue-in-groove" technique or tip grafts, the double columellar strut can be considered a "multifunction pocket knife" for tip surgery. 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 .

Removal of Nasal Silicone Implant and the Impact of Subsequent Capsulectomy.

Little is known about contributory factors of unremoved periimplant capsule causing nasal deformities after postrhinoplasty silicone implant extraction. This study investigated the impact of retained capsule causing contracture deformity and effect of subsequent capsulectomy in preventing and correcting the deformity. A total of 103 patients underwent secondary surgery for silicone implant removal and grafted cartilage between May of 2015 and June of 2017. Among them, 67 patients without septal extension graft or open wound and with 8-week or more follow-up were analyzed retrospectively. All operations were approached with an intranasal incision. Three procedures were performed: (1) removal of implant plus tip graft only (n = 12), (2) removal of implant plus tip graft plus subtotal capsulectomy (n = 47), and (3) removal of implant plus tip graft plus subtotal capsulectomy in patients with contraction and thick capsule (n = 8). Preremoval/postremoval of nasal bridge length index and nasolabial angle were measured with the lateral view. In group 1, nasal bridge length index decreased by 6.2 percent and nasolabial angle increased by 5.7 percent. In group 2, nasal bridge length index increased by 2.5 percent and nasolabial angle decreased by 2.2 percent. In group 3, nasal bridge length index increased by 8.6 percent and nasolabial angle decreased by 7.9 percent. For patients undergoing surgical removal of a nasal silicone implant with or without cartilage, a concomitant capsulectomy is required to prevent potential contractures and to minimize tip deformity. Capsulectomy can release and lengthen the contracted nose without septal extension or derotation grafting. Dorsal skin irregularity did not occur regardless of whether capsulectomy was performed. Therapeutic, IV.

Tip Reinforcement Flap: An Original Technique for Improving Nasal Tip Support and Definition.

Middle crura support deficiency and short middle crura can usually cause insufficient definition and projection of the tip and can sometimes result in a flat tip. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a new technique involving a tip reinforcement flap to strengthen the middle crura and to achieve a well-projected and defined tip. Twenty-nine patients who underwent primary open-approach rhinoplasty that included the use of tip reinforcement flaps were included in the study. Cartilage flaps that had been created from the excess cephalic portion of the lateral crura were prepared as medial crura-based cartilaginous flaps. There were 29 patients (17 women, 12 men) aged 18 to 44 years (mean age, 31 years). Follow-up time ranged between 3 and 25 months (mean, 21 months). Preoperative and postoperative average of nasal tip length was 10.84 (±1.07) mm and 14.32 (±2.34) mm, respectively (P = 0.0214). Preoperative and postoperative average of nasolabial angle was 97.42° (±9.84°) and 107.99° (±12.16°), respectively (P = 0.0344). Preoperative and postoperative average of nasal projection ratio was 0.53 (±0.04) and 0.57 (±0.03), respectively (P = 0.4347). The tip reinforcement flap technique provided strengthening and extra support for the middle crura and increased definition, projection, and stability to the domal area. The tip reinforcement flap technique offers advantages for tip plasty in those cases with middle crural deficiency, short middle crura, and middle crural weakness. The technique also provides an additional projection, stabilization, and definition to the nasal tip while reducing lateral crural cephalic excess. This technique improves nostril-lobular disproportion and has the advantage of hiding extra support grafted into the folded flap. Complications such as graft visibility, malposition, and asymmetry, which may occur with the use of classic tip grafts, can be eliminated with the tip reinforcement flap technique.

Cleft Rhinoplasty Study and Evolution.

Most patients with a cleft lip will have a cleft lip nasal deformity. The nasal deformities are complex and are difficult to surgically correct as a result of the anatomical issues and deficiencies. In this study, the authors analyzed and reviewed nasal pathology and surgical maneuvers in patients with cleft lip nasal deformity treated by the senior author over the past 15 years. A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent a rhinoplasty for a cleft nasal deformity from the years of 2002 to 2017. Patients were stratified by unilateral and bilateral cleft lip. For each variable, comparisons were made between unilateral and bilateral cases. 39 patients had a unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity, while 17 had a bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity. Patients with a unilateral cleft nasal deformity had a significantly higher incidence of vestibular stenosis and septal deviation. Regarding surgical maneuvers, unilateral cleft lip patients had a relatively higher utilization of septoplasty, spreader grafts, and alar grafts compared to bilateral cleft lip patients. Bilateral cleft lip patients had a relatively higher utilization of dorsal hump reduction, columella strut grafts, and nasal tip grafts. These differences were not statistically significant. Unilateral cleft lip patients had a statistically significant higher use of alveolar support at the time of rhinoplasty. The rhinoplasty operation in patients with cleft lip nasal deformity is uniquely challenging and rewarding. This operation has undergone an evolution in our own practice and has led to improved outcomes for these patients.

The Joint Tip Graft: A Joint Support for Rim, Facet and Infratip Lobule in Rhinoplasty.

The authors of this study have developed a novel graft called the 'The Joint Tip Graft' which adds support to the lateral crus, camouflages the tip grafts, supports the facet and adds volume to the nasal tip as a single graft. The aim of this study was to define and introduce the tripod graft. Thirty patients who underwent primary rhinoplasty at a tertiary academic center were included. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups according to the grafts used: group 1: Joint tip graft was additionally used, and group 2: Joint tip graft was not used. All patients were photographed by a photographer who is familiar with medical photography. Preoperative and postoperative sixth month photographs were taken for analysis. The brightest point of the infratip lobule and the darkest point of the facets were selected and analyzed with computer software. The luminance ratio of facet to infratip lobule was calculated to overcome light and head position differences. Mean infratip luminance scores were 112.20 ± 5.72 and 109.73 ± 7.13 in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p > 0.05). Mean facet luminance scores were 101.33 ± 4.91 and 89.27 ± 5.11 in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0.05). Facet/infratip luminance ratios were calculated for each group. Mean facet/infratip luminance ratios were 0.90 ± 0.01 and 0.82 ± 0.16 for groups 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0.05). The joint tip graft is a novel graft that is easy to harvest and apply. It spans both of the alar cartilages, supports the facet area and creates a smooth gradual light shadow transition. Additionally, it acts as a camouflage over the tip 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 .

Extended L-Framework: An Innovative Technique for Reconstruction of Low Nasal Dorsum by Autogenous Costal Cartilage Graft.

Background:Congenital, iatrogenic, and traumatic etiologies can produce a deficient nasal dorsum requiring dorsal augmentation. Traditional techniques for dorsal augmentation as onlay dorsal graft, cantilever graft, or conventional L-framework usually have less stability and produce a rigid lobule if the single unit framework extends to the tip. Because of abundant volume and relative ease of harvest and carving, the autogenous rib cartilage has been considered the graft of choice for dorsal nasal augmentation when structural support is necessary and sufficient septal cartilage is not available.Methods:Eighteen patients with congenital, iatrogenic, and posttraumatic low nasal dorsum were reconstructed with the extended L-cartilage framework over the past 3 years with an average postoperative follow-up of 15 months. The framework was reconstructed from 3 carved cartilaginous pieces. If needed, columellar strut, spreader, and tip grafts were also provided.Results:All the 18 patients were generally satisfied with the cosmetic and functional outcomes at around 1-year follow-up. The nasal projection and dorsal aesthetic lines were pleasing and maintained over a prolonged postoperative follow-up period. There was free natural movement of the lobular part of the nose. No major complications were encountered.Conclusions:Consistent, reproducible results were achieved with using the extended L-framework in primary and secondary rhinoplasty and in posttraumatic dorsal nasal deformities as well. This technique has different advantages over the conventional techniques as the extended framework is more anatomical, preserves pliability of the lobule, maintains stability without any means of fixation, and offers good control of aesthetic needs.

The shape match of the olecranon tip for reconstruction of the coronoid process: influence of side and osteotomy angle

The integrity of the coronoid process is critical to maintaining elbow stability. Unreconstructible fractures and chronic coronoid deficiency are challenging clinical problems with no clear solution. The purposes of this study were to investigate the shape match of the ipsilateral and contralateral olecranon tips as graft options and to determine the influence of the osteotomy angle on fitment. Nineteen paired cadaveric elbow joints were investigated by 3-dimensional digital analysis of computed tomography DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) data. After construction of an ulnar coordinate system, the ipsilateral and contralateral olecranon tips were digitally harvested at 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, and 60° osteotomy angles. In an overlay analysis, we compared the shape match of the ipsilateral and contralateral grafts and the different angles. The ipsilateral grafts showed an average mismatch of 1.8 mm (standard deviation, 1.38 mm), whereas the contralateral grafts had a significantly lower (P < .001) mean mismatch of 1.3 mm (standard deviation, 0.95 mm). The 50° osteotomy plane showed the best shape match in comparison with the native coronoid-in both the ipsilateral and contralateral grafts. Evaluation of the intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated at r = 0.944, showing high repeatability of the measurements. The contralateral olecranon tip graft showed significantly better shape matching to the native coronoid than the ipsilateral olecranon graft. Specifically, the contralateral graft more closely matched the biomechanically critical anteromedial coronoid facet. Finally, both the contralateral and ipsilateral olecranon grafts had better shape matching with the native coronoid when osteotomy was performed at higher angles, specifically 50°.

Nasal Tip Grafts.

The nasal tip is the most prominent part of the nose. The aim of this paper is to review nasal tip grafts with detailed explanation and figures. The authors searched PubMed, Google, Google Scholar, and Proquest Central database of the Kirikkale University. Search was performed with the key words of "nasal," "tip," "graft." The indications and grafting techniques were presented. The external shape of the nasal tip is determined by the curves and contours of the lower lateral cartilages and their interactions with the surrounding tissues. Normative data exist regarding the ideal shape and shadowing of the nasal tip. The mainly used tip grafts in rhinoplasty are "Floating graft (Goldman) ," "Tip Onlay Graft," "Columellar Strut Graft," "Caudal Septal Extension Graft," "Shield Graft," "Alar batten onlay graft," "Lateral Crural Strut Grafts," "Alar rim grafts." When tip sutures are not enough, cartilage tip grafts offer a versitile and effective way to change the nasal tip. While there has been a vast array of grafting techniques described, this paper reviewed many of the most popular and useful grafts in modern use.

Causes of the Removal of High-Density Polyethylene Sheets (Medpor) in Revision Rhinoplasty

The aim of this study was to identify the causes of complications in rhinoplasties using Medpor. The medical records of 71 patients who had undergoing a reoperation after a rhinoplasty using Medpor were reviewed. From each patient's history, examination records, and operative records, the method of the previous rhinoplasty using Medpor was extracted. The previously inserted Medpor and the septal mucosa covering it were removed during the reoperation and observed in 3 cases. A turned-up or short nose (43.8%) and tip stiffness (25.3%) were significantly more common than other complaints (P < 0.05). The strut type (49.2%) and the septal extension type (43.8%) were significantly more common than the spreader type (P < 0.001). In the reoperation, extension grafts (47.1%) and by tip grafts (39.7%) were significantly more common than other procedures (P < 0.001). Grossly, the specimens were covered with septal mucosa and multiple ball-like granulation tissues (cobblestone appearance) at the "pores" of the Medpor. Microscopically, Medpor was covered with fibrous collagenous tissue, partially bridging through the pores. Inflammatory cells had infiltrated around the polyethylene. The authors classify the patients in the present series as: those with a long columella strut to the anterior nasal spine, those with Medpor inserted onto the membranous septum (septal extension graft or too large), and those with Medpor used as spreader graft covered with nasal mucosa (causing weakness of the nasal septum and thinning or necrosis of the mucosa). Using Medpor as a strut graft seems to be relatively safe if the floating type is used.

Abstract: Changing Nasal Tip Projection Via Purposeful Manipulation of the Medial Crura: A Surgical Experience with Resecting the “Unresectable”

GOALS/PURPOSE: A belief exists that dissection and resection of the medial crura should be discouraged to avoid compromise of the tip support. We believe that judicious resection of the columellar portion of the medial crura can be an effective and predictable technique to control or reduce tip projection. This is pertinent in cases of tip overprojection, increased columellar show, or intraoperative findings of significantly buckled medial crura, where this technique allows for greater precision in controlling tip projection. Concern for loss of tip support can be obviated by buttressing the resulting structure with a columellar strut graft. We describe the routine use of dissection and resection of medial crura by the senior author (TAM) and present a brief review of the results. METHODS/TECHNIQUE: METHODS: A single institution, retrospective review of all consecutive patients who underwent rhinoplasty with resection of the medial crura by the senior author (TAM) during a single year was conducted. TECHNIQUE: All rhinoplasties were performed using an open technique. After conservative lateral crura resection in most cases, the nose is opened using a combination of blunt and sharp sub-mucoperichondrial dissection. Septoplasty is performed via a hemitransfixion incision, followed by dorsal rasping. The medial crura are dissected from the soft tissue envelope and the tip is shaped with a routine cephalic trim of the lateral crura and any dome suture maneuvers necessary. The projection of the tip is assessed and the appropriate (usually 3-5mm) amount of medial crura is resected from the mid-columellar segment. The columellar strut graft is placed and the cut ends of the crura are overlapped and sutured over the strut graft using 5-0 PDS. RESULTS/COMPLICATIONS: Nineteen patients matched inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 39 years old. Six patients (32%) had a history of a prior rhinoplasty procedure. In addition to resection of the medial crura, thirteen patients (68%) also had resection of their lateral crura. All patients underwent a septal resection and 18 (95%) received a columellar strut. Three (16%) patients had spreader grafts inserted and three (16%) patients had a tip graft placed. There were no complications in this series. Postoperative cosmesis was considered excellent by both patient and surgeon in all cases at mean follow-up of 11 months. CONCLUSION: Manipulation of the medial crura of the lower lateral cartilages is not inherently detrimental to tip support if performed judiciously and reinforced with a columellar strut graft acting as a buttress to the caudal medial crura. This technique is most useful to decrease tip projection or when tip projection is at goal, but domal shaping sutures would increase it and create over-projection. In both scenarios, resecting a portion of the mid-columellar medial crura leads to a predictable decrease in tip projection. We have not encountered any cases of support deficiency postoperatively. We encourage incorporating this technique to address over-projected noses and to prevent over-projection that may result from domal suture techniques.

Alar cartilage\u2014an alternative for spreader graft in primary rhinoplasty

BackgroundAlar cartilage can be very useful for tip and dorsum grafts. Depending on its size and thickness, it can be an important alternative for spreader grafts to improve endonasal functional deficiencies, correct deviated noses, and prevent inverted “V” deformities. Caucasian patients with bulbous tips are the most common candidates to achieve such benefits. It is easy to obtain and to frame into a desired graft.MethodsThe authors describe a surgical technique using the alar cartilages as spreader grafts. All Caucasian patients with bulbous tips who underwent primary rhinoplasty were included. All patients have been evaluated after 3 to 4 months and after 1 and 2 years by aesthetical and functional criteria.ResultsThirty-four patients (28 female and 6 male) underwent this procedure between 2001 and 2015: 94% reported a better airflow, 91% reported very good aesthetic results and were very satisfied 2 years postoperatively, and 12% had nasal deviations that were corrected with a one side double-layered spreader grafts. Two patients presented supra-tip deformities and one patient had a columella scar that was revised surgically. No cases of inverted “V” deformity were reported 2 years postoperatively.ConclusionsPatients with functional satisfaction and with a straight and smooth dorsum seem to be the most important benefits that were achieved with this technique using alar cartilage spreader grafts, an alternative that can be offered to improve airflow and to prevent deviated and inverted “V” deformities.Level of Evidence: IV, therapeutic study.