PURPOSE: Revision rhinoplasty and trauma-related rhinoplasty is often made more challenging by the lack of available autologous septal tissue. While other autologous and homologous graft options exist, they are fraught with their own challenges.1 Fresh frozen costal cartilage (FFCC) is an increasingly popular alternative that yields the benefits of homologous tissue while having a lower theoretical risk profile.2 Given the novel nature of this method, this study aims to analyze the long-term complication rates of MTF (Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation) FFCC.
METHODS: A retrospective chart review of the use of FFCC in rhinoplasty in the senior author’s practice was conducted. 282 cases were reviewed and analyzed for rates of infection, warping, and resorption. The inclusion criteria were cases with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up.
RESULTS: The mean age was 35.8 years old, with 27 males and 255 females. 40 cases were primary rhinoplasties while the remaining 242 were revisions. Mean follow-up period was 20.3 months. Six patients (2.1%) required antibiotics for post-operative redness, zero patients had clinical signs of warping, resorption, or displacement, and six patients (2.1%) required operative revision.
CONCLUSIONS: To date, this is the largest known study with the longest follow-up analyzing the complication profile of MTF FFCC in rhinoplasty. Acute infection, warping, and resorption rates were found to be no greater than rhinoplasty complication rates when autologous or homologous tissue are used. FFCC is a safe, convenient, and patient-centered option for graft tissue in rhinoplasty.
References:
1. Chen K, Schultz B, Mattos D, Reish R. Optimizing the Use of Autografts, Allografts, and Alloplastic Materials in Rhinoplasty. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2022;150(3):675e-683e.
2. Rohrich RJ, Abraham J, Alleyne B, Bellamy J, Mohan R. Fresh frozen rib cartilage grafts in revision rhinoplasty: A 9-Year experience. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2022;150(1):58–62.