Versatile applications of the polydioxanone plate in rhinoplasty and septal surgery.

BACKGROUND Rhinoplasty and septal surgery often require the use of cartilage grafts. Autologous cartilage may be thin or deviated, and the use of an absorbable scaffold material to support the reimplanted cartilage during healing can improve technique and outcomes. OBJECTIVE To describe the use of a polydioxanone plate not only as a template in extracorporeal septoplasty but also for various other grafts commonly used in rhinoplasty and for the repair of septal perforations. METHODS A retrospective case note review was performed between November 1, 2007, and February 28, 2011, for all patients treated using a polydioxanone plate. Surgical outcomes are discussed. RESULTS A polydioxanone plate was used in septal and/or rhinoplasty surgery in 102 patients treated during a 40-month period. Follow-up was 9 to 18 months (mean, 12 months), with 96 patients reporting a good cosmetic or functional result. Up to 15% of patients experienced temporary septal swelling, but there were only 2 postoperative infections and no other significant complications. CONCLUSIONS The polydioxanone plate is a safe and reliable absorbable implant that has many different applications in rhinoplasty and septal surgery. It not only acts as a scaffold but also stimulates and guides cartilage regeneration.