Outcomes of Autologous Versus Irradiated Homologous Costal Cartilage Graft in Rhinoplasty

Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med. 2024 Sep-Oct;26(5):575-581. doi: 10.1089/fpsam.2023.0334. Epub 2024 Mar 19.

Abstract

Background: Autologous costal cartilage (ACC) and irradiated homologous costal cartilage (IHCC) are commonly used in septorhinoplasty when there is insufficient septal cartilage for grafting. Objective: To assess the surgical outcomes of patients who underwent septorhinoplasty with either ACC or IHCC as measured by rates of infection, resorption, warping, and revision rate. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent rhinoplasty with ACC or IHCC at a single academic institution was performed. Demographic data, surgical details, antibiotic use, and outcomes, including surgical duration, infection, resorption, warping, and revision rate, were analyzed using Fisher's exact test, chi-squared test, and logistic regression. Results: One hundred forty-three patients were identified. The median age was 48 years (interquartile range: 35-57.5) and 62.2% (n = 89) were female, 61 patients (42.7%) underwent ACC, and 82 (57.3%) IHCC. Revision rate in both groups was similar (ACC = 14.8%, IHCC = 14.6%; p = 0.98). There was no difference in infection rate (ACC = 4.9%, IHCC = 3.7%; p = 0.71). Postoperative deformity and nasal obstruction were the most common indications for revision surgery. Surgical time was shorter with IHCC (p < 0.01). Mean follow-up time was 26.5 months (±25) for ACC, and 16 months (±12) for IHCC. Conclusions: ACC and IHCC are similar in terms of effectiveness and safety in septorhinoplasty.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Costal Cartilage* / transplantation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasal Septum / surgery
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Reoperation*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Rhinoplasty* / methods
  • Transplantation, Autologous*
  • Transplantation, Homologous
  • Treatment Outcome