Reconstruction of the anterior nasal septum by transplantation

Different implantation materials have been used for reconstruction of the infrastructures of the nose. Preserved allografts from the nasal septum or autografts from costal cartilage are regarded as the best. A new technique for reconstruction of the anterior septum has been used in 14 patients during 1979-1982. A pocket (13-18 mm X 22-27 mm) was first prepared between the mucous membranes from the nasal spine to the dorsum of the nose. With a piece of 1 mm thick Silastic as a model a cartilage graft was taken from the superior part of the auricle. The perichondrium on both sides was preserved to permit a good revascularisation, keep the cartilage viable and prevent resorption. The graft was kept in place in the pocket with Silastic splint on each side of the septum for two weeks. In none of the patients was any resorption noted.