Correction of cleft lip nose deformity with rib cartilage

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Otolaryngology
• Craniofacial Surgery

Background:

• Cleft lip nasal deformities (CLND) present significant aesthetic and functional challenges.
• Existing repair methods are often limited by cartilage weakness and soft tissue forces.
• Strong cartilaginous support, like rib cartilage, is crucial for effective CLND correction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of rib cartilage grafts in improving nasal symmetry and aesthetics in CLND repair.
• To assess the impact of rib cartilage grafts on nasal airflow and patient outcomes.
• To compare the results of using rib cartilage versus septal/ear cartilage for CLND reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving two patient groups with unilateral and bilateral CLND.
• Group 1: Autologous cartilage grafts from septum and ear.
• Group 2: Autologous cartilage grafts from septum and ribs. Postoperative results assessed by independent physician evaluation of photographic evidence.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in postoperative outcomes were observed in both unilateral and bilateral CLND cases using rib cartilage grafts.
• Patients receiving septal/rib cartilage grafts showed statistically significant better results compared to those receiving septal/ear cartilage grafts (P = .028 for unilateral, P = .043 for bilateral).

Conclusions:

• Rib cartilage grafts positively influence the aesthetic results of CLND operations.
• This technique provides robust structural support for correcting nasal deformities.
• The use of rib cartilage in CLND repair is associated with minimal postoperative complications.