Fixation of the split calvarial graft in nasal reconstruction

Reconstruction of nasal contour where skeletal support is deficient or absent has usually been achieved using autogenous bone. Membranous bone taken from the cranium is clearly superior to rib or iliac crest when used as autografting material to the craniofacial skeleton. Conventionally, the bone graft is rigidly fixated to the recipient nasal bone with either metal plate-screw systems or Kirschner wires. Reported here are the results of a single biodegradable screw fixation of the split calvarial graft that is used for nasal reconstruction. Ten patients with moderate to severe saddle nose deformity underwent reconstruction using the open rhinoplasty approach. The graft was harvested from the outer cortex of the parietal bone, shaped, and secured in place with a single bioresorbable screw. No significant resorption has been observed in the grafts and a favorable aesthetic result was achieved in all of the cases. Described modification in fixation of the bone graft in nasal reconstruction avoids some of the disadvantages of permanent materials while preserving the advantages of rigid fixation.