Correction of cleft lip nose deformity with rib cartilage

Correction of cleft lip nasal deformities (CLND) is often unsatisfactory because of problems resulting from cartilage weakness and strong soft tissue forces. Therefore, strong cartilaginous support, such as rib cartilage, is mandatory.

The authors describe placement of rib cartilage grafts to create a more symmetric and aesthetically acceptable repair of CLND with improved nasal air flow.

Two groups of patients, including those with unilateral and bilateral CLND, underwent operations with different sources of autologous cartilage. Group 1 received grafts from the septum and ear, whereas group 2 received grafts from the septum and ribs. Results were evaluated by 2 independent physicians who rated improvement between pre- and postoperative photographs.

There were significant differences in postoperative improvement between patients who received septal/ear cartilage grafts and those who received septal/rib cartilage grafts in both unilateral and bilateral cases (P = .028 and P = .043, respectively).

The authors' results demonstrate that rib cartilage has a positive effect on the aesthetic outcome of CLND operations and provides a strong support structure for correcting this deformity with minimal postoperative complications.