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Complication rates low for autologous rib cartilage use in rhinoplasty

Overall long-term complications rates were low when autologous rib cartilage was used in rhinoplasty procedures, with warping and hypertrophic chest scarring having the highest complication rates, according to a recently published literature review.

Two researchers independently searched the MEDLINE, PubMed and Embase databases for all studies published from 1946 through 2013 in which complications and donor-site morbidities associated with autologous rib cartilage use in rhinoplasty were reported.

The researchers excluded animal studies, in vitro studies, review articles, case reports, abstracts and studies with fewer than 10 patients. The 10 studies that met inclusion criteria were retrospective case series performed between 2003 and 2013, with a total of 491 patients. Mean follow-up across all the studies was 33.3 months.

Warping and resorption rate data were available for 458 of the patients in nine studies, among whom the researchers observed a mean warping percentage of 3.08%. The weighted mean resorption rate was 0.22%.

Eight studies reported infection rates with an aggregate of 414 patients, according to the researchers, with a combined rate of infection of 0.56%. Seven studies reported graft displacement rates in 282 patients, with a 0.39% total proportion of displacement.

Two hundred ninety-one patients in five studies had reported rates of hypertrophic chest scarring, with a weighted mean of 5.45%.

Revision surgery was reported in seven studies and 304 patients, with a combined revision surgery rate of 14.07%, according to the researchers.

The researchers encouraged surgeons to be mindful of reducing warping and hypertrophic chest scarring, as these had relatively high rates in their review. – by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.