Oblique Split Rib Graft Surgery in Primary and Secondary Septorhinoplasty

Rib cartilage is an outstanding material in reconstructive septorhinoplasty, especially in revision surgery with a low rate of complications compared to other materials. In this study, the results of oblique splitting of rib grafts were evaluated in 25 patients operated for primary and secondary septorhinoplasty.

The prospective case series were undertaken on 25 patients of saddle or crooked nose that referred to the senior author's private office between January 2015 and November 2017. They had primary and secondary septorhinoplasty using autologous costal cartilage carved by the oblique split method (OSM). The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 3 to 36 months (Mean follow up of 19 months).

The problems seen in patients were saddle-nose deformity in 16 cases, crooked-nose deformity in 3, crooked nose and saddle nose in 3 and implant infection, inverted V-pinch, destruction of septum in 3 more cases. After oblique split rib grafts surgery and 3-36 month follow-up (an average of 19 months), the operative outcomes were successful and no severe resorption, infection, warping or displacement were observed related to graft and patients were also satisfied, and there was no complication of the donor-site. The patients did not have any post-operative complications and no complain of nasal distortion during follow up period.

OSM allowed obtaining large quantities of graft material without the risk of warping due to inclusion of both peripheral and central portions of the rib cartilage.