Biochemical Variability of Nasal Cartilages: Implications in Functional Rhinoplasty

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Rhinology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Nasal valve compromise (NVC) is a frequent cause of nasal obstruction.
• The dorsal septal cartilage (DSA) articulates with the upper lateral nasal cartilage (ULC), which can collapse and cause NVC when weakened.
• Histological differences between quadrangular cartilage (QC) and DSA were investigated in patients with and without NVC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze histological differences between quadrangular cartilage (QC) and dorsal septal cartilage (DSA).
• To compare the histological composition of QC and DSA in patients with and without nasal valve compromise (NVC).

Main Methods:

• A prospective cross-sectional study involving 73 live donors undergoing septorhinoplasty.
• Collected quadrangular cartilage (QC) and dorsal septal cartilage (DSA) specimens.
• Utilized Safranin O staining for glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and cell count, and Masson's Trichrome staining for collagen content.

Main Results:

• Mean GAG content was significantly lower in DSA (68.18%) compared to QC (87.22%).
• Mean collagen content was significantly higher in DSA (65.43%) compared to QC (46.65%).
• DSA from patients with NVC exhibited the lowest GAG (59.07%) and highest collagen (74.86%) levels.

Conclusions:

• The dorsal septal cartilage (DSA) exhibits lower glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and higher collagen content than quadrangular cartilage (QC).
• These biochemical alterations in DSA, particularly pronounced in patients with nasal valve compromise (NVC), may predispose the cartilage to weakening.
• The altered composition of DSA may contribute to its collapse, leading to nasal obstruction and NVC, potentially exacerbated by aging or trauma.