Morphologic variations of sesamoid cartilages of the nose in Iranian cadavers

Abstract

Background: Accessory cartilages are small nasal cartilages between the lateral crus and piriform aperture of the nose bilaterally. These cartilages are among the supporting structures of the nasal tip.

Study design: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on Iranian fresh cadavers for evaluation of ethnic differences. Seventy-two sesamoid cartilages in 41 cadavers (mean age 42 years) were dissected to evaluate anatomy and anthropometry of the sesamoid cartilages. Elevation of the dorsal nasal flap after a collumellar incision was done. After the separation of the lower lateral cartilages and sesamoid cartilages on each side, the anatomy and anthropometry of the cartilages were assessed.

Results: In 12% (5) of the cadavers there were no sesamoid cartilages, and in 88% (36) of the cadavers there was 1 sesamoid on each side. The shape of the sesamoid cartilages was rectangular in 66% (27) and triangular in 22% (9). The mean length, width, and thickness were 3 mm, 2 mm, and 0.75 mm, respectively.

Conclusions: This cartilage was single on each side of the nose and its shape was an irregular rectangle or triangle and has an important role in preserving nasal alar contour and tip projection. These findings confirm ethnic variations in the sesamoid nasal cartilages when this Iranian population is compared with other populations assessed in earlier reports.