Augmentation rhinoplasty using olecranon bone graft

Correction of saddle nose deformity is one of the most frequently sought surgeries by patients seeking rhinoplasty in Asian countries. Nasal dorsal augmentation always requires graft material to achieve the desired result. Various autologous grafts and alloplastic materials have been described in the literature with their advantages and disadvantages. We report our study on the use of olecranon bone graft for augmentation rhinoplasty in severe saddle nose deformity and discuss our experience with it.

In this observational study, 12 patients who underwent dorsal nasal augmentation using olecranon bone graft from August 2011 to December 2020 were studied. All ten patients with congenital deformity underwent graft insertion through a closed rhinoplasty approach, whereas two patients with posttraumatic deformity were operated through old scars over the nasal dorsum. The graft was fixed with screws at nasion in both posttraumatic cases. All the patients were evaluated postoperatively at regular intervals for graft resorption by clinical photographs and X-ray nasal bone.

The age ranged from 20 years to 48 years. No immediate complications related to graft placement were noted. One patient had a hairline fracture of the ulna at the donor site on the 3^rd postoperative day which was managed conservatively with a cast. The mean follow-up period was 2 years. No nasal dorsum projection loss or signs of bone resorption were observed for up to 5 years after surgery. One patient with posttraumatic deformity required removal of fixation screw which got exposed after 2 years of surgery.

Olecranon bone graft is a suitable material for nasal dorsal augmentation in severe saddle nose deformity because of ease of harvest and minimal donor area morbidity. The appropriate thickness of the cortex of the olecranon process allows custom molding and provides resistance to resorption in long term, thereby giving a desirable outcome.