Outcomes of Revision Rhinoplasty Using Fresh Frozen Cartilage

Goals/Purpose: One of the many challenges faced by the surgeon in revision rhinoplasty is the lack of appropriate septal cartilage available for graft material. Rib cartilage and auricular cartilage are autologous alternatives, though each with considerable downsides. Fresh frozen rib cartilage has emerged as an alternative that may provide reliable graft material in revision rhinoplasty. The present study aims to analyze the long term rates of infection and surgical revision when utilizing MTF (Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation) fresh frozen cartilage for revision rhinoplasty.

Methods/Technique: A retrospective chart review was conducted and included consecutive patients who underwent revision rhinoplasty with MTF fresh frozen cartilage by the senior author (RGR) between the years 2018 and 2021. For inclusion in the study, a minimum of 12 months of follow-up must have been completed.

Results/Complications: 286 patients met inclusion criteria for the study. Demographic data as well as the rates of infection requiring antibiotic use and complications necessitating return to the operating room for revision were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Conclusion: This is the largest known study on the use of MTF fresh frozen cartilage for revision rhinoplasty, with the longest average follow-up period to date. We have found a low rate of postoperative infection and revision surgery consistent with what has previously been published by other authors and provide continued justification for the inclusion of MTF fresh frozen cartilage as an option for graft material in revision rhinoplasty.