The use of resorbable spacers for nasal spreader grafts

The concept and technique of the use of resorbable synthetic material for nasal spreader grafts are presented. The material is felt to be particularly useful in revision rhinoplasty, in which the likelihood of internal valve collapse is high and the septum (the most common source of material for spreader grafts) often has already been harvested. The material used is a commercially available polymer of polylactic and polyglycolic acid, Lactosorb. It is supplied as a mesh sheet that can be cut to an appropriate size for spreader grafts. Although the material absorbs after approximately 12 months, it is believed that this is sufficient time for the upper lateral cartilages to be stabilized by fibrosis in their new position and to maintain the appropriate internal valve angle. This material was used on 10 patients with valvular collapse undergoing secondary rhinoplasty. In follow-up observations ranging from 12 to 18 months, there has been no recurrence of airway obstruction.