[Homografts of irradiated costal cartilage]

Preserved irradiated homologous rib cartilage is not frequently used in spite of many publications confirming its value. To draw attention of Canadian otolaryngologists, a review of 62 cases with at least two years follow-up is presented confirming the absence of resorption or immunology response. Furthermore preserved irradiated rib cartilage has been used as replacement for bone grafts in a series presented with illustrations of the stable results obtained. The change of behavior of homologous cartilage in human introduced by gamma irradiation would need to be investigated.