Abstract
Purpose: Most surgeons have used autogenous cartilage for columella strut graft. But the supply of autogenous cartilage is often limited. So, this study is to investigate the usefulness of biodegradable plate as columella strut material. Methods: We studied 19 patients who have secondary cleft nasal deformity. Patients were divided into two groups. Group A patients who were not closed their growth plate underwent columella strut graft only with biodegradable plate through endonasal approach. The biodegradable plate was inserted between nasal tip and anterior nasal spine. Group B patients were closed their growth plate. They had an operation for columella strut graft with biodegradable plate fixed with autogenous conchal cartilage. If nasal tip projection was insufficient, we performed additionally onlay graft on nasal tip with autogenous soft tissue or remnant cartilage. Results: As a result of mean 14 months follow-up, we achieved a good nasal tip projection, narrowing of interalar distance and symmetrical nostril shape. No specific complications were reported except 2 cases, which were the extrusion of biodegradable plate into the nasal cavity and Staphylococcus aureus infection. Conclusion: The columella strut graft using biodegradable plate is simple and effective method. Biodegradable plate can be a good substitute for columella strut in patients who can not use autogenous cartilages.
