Allogenic preserved costal cartilage in reconstructive surgery

Allogenic, preserved cartilage is often used for reconstruction of face. This study was undertaken to analyze the effects of cartilage transplantation. In analyzed group of 437 patients after cartilage transplantation, 42.2% were operated because of posttraumatical changes, 29.0% because of congenital malformations. In 16.7% nonspecific inflammations were the cause of reconstructive operations. Malformations were mainly localised in nose 59%, ear concha 16.5% and mandible 10.9%. Human costal cartilage, preserved in 0.9% NaCl and radiation-sterilized was used for reconstruction. 24-190 months after surgery (in several clinical units) patients were examined and results were collected in special questionnaire by the team who performed surgery. The results of treatment were compared with age, diagnosis and localisation of changes. It was found that very good result of treatment was achieved in 33.5% of patients, in 41.8% result was satisfactory. In 19.9% of operated patients result of treatment was unsatisfactory. Correlation of some clinical and biological characteristics with the result of treatment is discussed.