Biochemical Variability of Nasal Cartilages: Implications in Functional Rhinoplasty

Nasal valve compromise is a common issue for patients presenting to an otolaryngologist. Anatomically, the dorsal septal cartilage (DSA) articulates with the upper lateral nasal cartilage (ULC). When the ULC weakens, it is prone to collapse and may result in nasal obstruction. Our objectives were to analyze histological differences between quadrangular and DSA nasal cartilages and compare histological composition of these tissues among patients with diagnosis of nasal valve compromise (NVC) versus those without NVC (no NVC).

Prospective cross-sectional study of nasal cartilages from seventy-three (73) live donors. Quadrangular cartilage (QC), and DSA from patients undergoing septorhinoplasty were collected. Safranin O histochemical staining was used to observe glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) content and cell count. Masson's Trichrome staining was used to assess collagen content in these nasal cartilages.

Mean GAG content was lower in DSA compared with QUAD cartilage (68.18% vs. 87.22%, p < 0.0001), and was lowest in DSA of patients with NVC (59.07%). Mean collagen content was higher in DSA compared with QUAD cartilage, (65.43% vs. 46.65%, p = 0.0002), and was highest in DSA of patients with NVC (74.86%).

The DSA showed decreased GAG and increased collagen content compared with quadrangular cartilage. Within the DSA subsite, patients with presurgical NVC had the lowest GAG and highest collagen levels. This observation suggests that the biochemical composition of the DSA may contribute to its weakening, potentially resulting in its inability to withstand minor trauma and/or the effects of aging, ultimately leading to NVC.

N/A Laryngoscope, 134:4252-4258, 2024.