Background: Augmentation rhinoplasty in Asians may be effectively accomplished with alloplastic materials. However, certain circumstances such as nasal bone fractures mandate the use of autologous grafts. The purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate the results of modified osseocartilaginous rib cantilever grafting for aesthetic and reconstructive rhinoplasty in patients with acute nasal bone fractures.
Methods: Forty-three patients with nasal bone fracture underwent surgical reconstruction with an autogenous rib graft. Anatomic reconstruction and dorsal augmentation were performed using 1 piece of a carved osseocartilaginous rib graft each for the bony and cartilaginous parts of the nose. The average time to surgery was 6.5 days, and patient's subjective satisfaction was scored.
Results: "Excellent" or "good" cosmetic outcomes were reported by 37 patients (86%). There were 3 cases of secondary revision. Donor-site morbidity was not an issue in any patient.
Conclusions: Anatomic reconstruction of the nasal dorsum and refining the nasal tip using an osseocartilaginous rib graft with the cantilever technique are effective in acute nasal trauma patients who wish to enhance their nasal profile in the primary treatment setting.