Experiences with the use of lyophilized bank cartilage for facial contour correction

In the Maxillo-Facial Surgical Clinic in Zurich lyophilized bank cartilage (LBC) is used for facial contour reconstruction and elsewhere. In 122 paitents LBC was transplanted 265 times in different sites. The rate of infection was 2.6% the degree of resorption up to 20%. In 7 cases transplanted LBC was removed for histological examination because of over-correction. Xeroradiography is suggested as a method of control even when the cartilage is not calcified.