Absorbable plate as a perpendicular strut for acute saddle nose deformities

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Otolaryngology
• Facial Reconstruction

Background:

• Nasal pyramid fractures with saddle nose deformities present challenges for closed reduction.
• The
• keystone area
• is critical for nasal support and often collapses in these injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of using an absorbable plate as a perpendicular strut for supporting the nasal
• keystone area
• in patients with nasal pyramid fractures and saddle nose deformities.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen patients with nasal pyramid fractures and saddle nose deformities underwent surgery between September 2008 and June 2011.
• The technique involved dissecting the nasal septum, inserting a custom-length absorbable plate to support the
• keystone area
• , and fixing it to the cartilaginous septum.
• Pre- and postoperative CT scans and photographs were used to assess outcomes.

Main Results:

• All 18 patients achieved satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes.
• Postoperative external nose appearance was rated as 'markedly improved' by 11 patients and 'improved' by 7 patients.
• Surgeons rated the overall results with a mean score of 4.5 out of 5.

Conclusions:

• An absorbable plate serves as an effective perpendicular strut, eliminating the need for further procedures due to its gradual absorption.
• The buttress created by the plate provides sustained mechanical support to the
• keystone area
• and maxillary crest during the absorption process.