The Pi Graft for Correction of Severe Saddle Nose Deformity

Saddle nose deformity is challenging because there is both aesthetic and functional compromise, and high rates of recurrence have been reported. Autologous costal cartilage is the widely preferred medium for reconstruction, but there may be room for improvement in the configuration of the cartilage struts. The pi graft is stabilized at two points, proximally and distally, distinguishing it from the traditional L-strut. Indications include severe (Types III and IV) saddle nose deformity with collapse of the mid-vault, and recurrence after prior reconstruction. Costal cartilage is harvested and three struts are crafted to make the foundation layer: a dorsal strut, caudal strut, and mid-vault strut. An aesthetic layer is composed of a carefully crafted dorsal graft and tip graft. Three men and 11 women were treated from 2013 to 2015 using this method for severe saddle nose deformity. Aesthetic and functional outcomes were evaluated. Patients were followed up for 12 months (range, 8-14 months). There was no recurrence of deformity or warping of the aesthetic or foundation layers. All patients were guided to anticipate refinement of the tip at 3 months to ease the burden on the skin envelope in stage I, but only five patients (35.7%) opted for it, as the remaining patients were satisfied with their appearance. The pi graft is a composite reconstructive method that is designed to minimize warping and recurrence of the saddle nose deformity. This method was successful in this series, although objective comparisons with traditional methods were not made.