Rib grafts in septorhinoplasty

Autogenous cartilage has generally been considered the gold standard grafting material in reconstructive septorhinoplasty for volume filling and structural support. In the restructuring of the nasal skeleton, autogenous cartilage can be harvested from the nasal septum, the auricle or the rib, but costal cartilage is considered the best graft material in patients requiring major reconstruction. Rib cartilage is an outstanding material in reconstructive septorhinoplasty, especially in revision surgery and when large amounts of tissue are required. This autologous material has a low rate of complications such as resorption, infection and extrusion compared to homografts and alloplastic implants. In the present study, the authors analyze and discuss the use of autogenous rib cartilage in 54 patients who underwent primary and revision septorhinoplasty. Its use is also suggested in cases in which there is a need to have a fair amount of cartilaginous tissue to be grafted for nasal framework reconstruction and respiratory function improvement.