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Crushed cartilage–fibrin sealant graft reliable, effective for radix augmentation in Asian patients
Researchers found a crushed cartilage–fibrin sealant graft to be a reliable and effective technique to stabilize grafts for radix augmentation in Asian patients.
In an observational study, the researchers analyzed the medical records of 51 Asian patients who underwent rhinoplasty with radix augmentation using the crushed cartilage–fibrin sealant combination between April 2011 and January 2013. Patients were followed-up for an average of 18.5 months.
Myeong Sang Yu
Using preoperative and postoperative photographs, two independent facial plastic surgeons rated the outcomes. A patient satisfaction survey was also administered by in-person interview at the final follow-up. Additionally, anthropometric measurements were taken, with increments of radix projection and nasofrontal angle measured electronically.
Postoperative outcomes were rated by the surgeons as excellent in 21 patients, good in 19 patients, fair in eight patients, and unchanged/poor in three patients.
The patients rated the surgical outcomes as excellent in 23 patients, good in 17 patients, and fair in 10 patients. Only one patient rated an unchanged/poor outcome.
An overall increase in radix projection was observed postoperatively, and overall mean nasofacial angle was improved from 96.2° preoperatively to 107.7° postoperatively.
The researchers found acceptable complication rates, an improved nasofacial angle, increased radix projections and positive outcomes for most patients.
The fibrin sealant acted as a scaffold to carry and stabilize the crushed cartilage graft onto the nasal dorsum, which allowed for modification of the graft’s concordance with the nasal contour and aided in an improved facial appearance.
The researchers warned that the graft should only be applied in patients with thick skin if it is used anywhere in the dorsum other than the radix. – by Abigail Sutton
Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.