Cartilage Curvature Reshaping: Polydioxanone Plate Versus Suture

Cartilage curvature reshaping is a fundamental objective in plastic surgery. Although numerous techniques are available, few studies quantitatively compare the effects of mattress sutures and polydioxanone (PDS) plates on cartilage straightening.

This study quantitatively evaluates the immediate effects of PDS plates on auricular cartilage curvature in the animal models, compared with horizontal mattress sutures.

Fourteen adult male New Zealand rabbits each underwent two procedures: a horizontal mattress suture on one ear (Suture group) and PDS plate placement on the contralateral (Plate group). Standardized photographs were taken before and immediately after surgery. The radius of curvature (ROC), first-order derivative (FOD), and second-order derivative (SOD) were calculated for each ear.

In the Suture group, the mean ROC increased from 10.80 mm to 17.68 mm in the Suture group whereas in the Plate group, it increased from 10.91 mm to 36.79 mm, with the Plate group showing a significantly greater change. The mean FOD decreased from 0.257 to 0.165 in the Suture group and from 0.245 to 0.082 in the Plate group, again with a greater reduction in the Plate group. The mean SOD decreased from 0.006 to 0.004 in the Suture group and from 0.006 to 0.002 in the Plate group, a more pronounced reduction in the plate group.

In this animal model, PDS plate provided superior control of cartilage curvature compared to the horizontal mattress suture technique.

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