Cartilage Grafting Outcomes in Intermediate and Definitive Cleft Rhinoplasty

To compare cartilage grafting outcomes in intermediate versus definitive cleft rhinoplasty.

A retrospective chart review was conducted. The χ² and Fisher exact tests were used for statistical analyses. Results were considered statistically significant at P < .05.

All subjects who underwent revision cleft rhinoplasties between July 2011 and June 2019 were included. Subjects with syndromic conditions were excluded.

A total of 46 subjects with a cleft nose deformity underwent 65 rhinoplasty procedures. The ages averaged 17 years (range 5-50) with 34 (73.9%) males and 12 (26.1%) females. In the intermediate group, 6 (28.6%) subjects required cartilage grafting as part of 6 cleft rhinoplasties, whereas 15 (71.4%) subjects underwent a total of 26 cleft rhinoplasties that did not require grafting. In the definitive group, 18 (76%) subjects required cartilage grafting over 21 cleft rhinoplasties, whereas 7 (24%) subjects underwent a total of 9 cleft rhinoplasties where cartilage grafting was not required. The difference between the number of subjects requiring cartilage grafting in the intermediate versus the definitive group was statistically significant (P = .007). Ear concha and nose were the most frequently used cartilage donor sites, with no observed complications.

Cartilage grafting was significantly more common in the definitive rhinoplasty group. Intermediate cleft rhinoplasty during the 5- to 13-year age period was effective, with a low-risk profile. In our experience, ear concha and nose were the preferred cartilage donor sites, with effective results and an excellent safety profile.