Surgical Techniques Following Free Cartilage Grafting

Abstract

Background: Reconstruction of surgical defects with free cartilage grafts poses unique challenges.

Objectives: To characterize surgical techniques following free cartilage grafting.

Materials and methods: A literature review was performed using the Embase, PubMed Medline, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov , and Web of Science databases from inception to May 21, 2021. Studies describing free cartilage grafts harvested from the ear or nose under local anesthesia, specifically for reconstruction of facial surgical defects, were selected for inclusion. Only surgical defects resulting from tumor resection were included.

Results: In total, 34 studies involving 713 patients with 723 surgical defects met inclusion criteria. The mean age of patients was 63.3 ± 10.4 years. Free cartilage grafts were most commonly harvested from the ear (93.1%). The most common recipient site was the nose (90.3%), followed by the lower eyelid (6.7%) and ear (3.0%).

Conclusion: Free cartilage grafts are an effective reconstructive option for patients with deep or cartilaginous defects that have compromised structural support on the nose, ear, or eyelid.