Left nasal reconstruction using a concha cartilage for loss of substance post human bite: A case report

Conchal cartilage is recommended for correction of substance loss of the nose. Transfixing nose substance loss presents an anatomical, functional, and aesthetic restoration challenge. The rate of complications associated with concha cartilage harvesting using a retroauricular approach is low.

A 24-year-old presented with nose damage and loss of transfixing substance after being intentionally assaulted and injured (human bite during a fight). He underwent a nose wing reconstruction using a composite transplant from the auricular cartilage. Post-operative recovery was uneventful. Nonetheless, a minor disparity existed between the flap and the natural nasal wing.

The three-dimensional anatomy of the nasal wing makes the aesthetic reconstruction of the transfixing loss of substance of the entire unit very difficult to achieve, especially when the reconstructed wing will be constantly confronted and compared to the contralateral wing. Concha cartilage is recommended for correction of cleft nasal deformities of trauma. Morbidities at the donor site have been reported in aesthetic rhinoplasty cases.

The composite nose graft, which consists of a cartilaginous graft and a nasolabial flap, is still a straightforward option for reconstructing the nose wing in a remote location. Nasal reconstruction using a concha cartilage, restore the anatomically deficient structures with satisfactory aesthetic and easy to shape. The conchal cartilage is minimally invasive when harvesting, repair for large defect and conforms naturally to the curvature of the nasal wing.