Allogenous cartilage graft versus autogenous cartilage graft in augmentation rhinoplasty: a decade of clinical experience

Cartilage grafts have great value in augmentation rhinoplasty. For most surgeons, an autogenous cartilage graft is the first choice in rhinoplasty because of its resistance to infection and resorption. On the other hand, an allogenous cartilage graft might be preferred over an autogenous graft to avoid additional morbidity and lengthened operating time. Allogenous cartilage grafts not only have the advantage of averting donor site morbidity but also are resistant to infection, resembling autogenous cartilage grafts. The authors present their experience with 41 patients who underwent augmentation rhinoplasty using 22 autogenous and 19 allogenous cartilage grafts between June 1994 and August 2004. For evaluation of adequate augmentation rates, photographic analyses were performed on preoperative, early postoperative, and late postoperative photographs from all the patients. To assess patient satisfaction, the Facial Appearance Sorting Test (FAST) was applied preoperatively and late postoperatively in both groups. These results were compared, and it was concluded that in terms of resorption, there was no difference in the early and late postoperative follow-up data between allogenous and autogenous cartilage grafts. Evaluation of the preoperative and early postoperative photographic outcomes showed statistically significant differences with respect to adequate augmentation rates between the two groups. The FAST scores showed statistically significant differences between preoperative and late postoperative outcomes. There were no infections in the two groups of patients.

Reconstruction of defects of the dorsum of the nose with bilateral transposition flaps. Case report

Transposition flaps are old but are the method of choice in reconstruction of defects of the dorsum of the nose. Eleven consecutive patients with such defects were treated with 22 transposition flaps. The nasal defects resulted from tumour (n = 9), trauma (n = 1), and keratoacanthoma (n = 1). The dissection is rapid, easy and the complication rate is low.

Ear lobe reconstruction with a posterior ear flap. Case reports

We describe a technique for reconstruction of the ear lobe. Although there are many procedures that aim to reconstruct the ear lobe naturally, the aesthetic results of using a posterior ear flap are better because the scar tissue that remains behind the ear is invisible.

Hyperphosphatemic tumoral calcinosis

Tumoral calcinosis is a rare syndrome characterized by progressively growing and painless masses of calcium phosphate deposits within periarticular areas. Biochemical findings are normal except for an association with hyperphosphatemia. This report describes hyperphosphatemic tumoral calcinosis in a 22-year-old man who had been operated on five times in 5 years because of painless extremity swellings.

Use of reverse triangular V-Y flaps to create a web space in syndactyly

The authors describe a new technique for division in syndactyly. The web space is reconstructed using two reverse V-Y island triangular flaps. The flaps are raised both on the dorsal and the palmar aspect of the hand. This technique does not require the use of a skin graft. Fourteen syndactylies in 9 children-three incomplete (two congenital and one secondary to burn) and six complete-were treated using this technique. The results after a maximum 4-month follow-up and the advantages of the technique are discussed.

Reduction mammoplasty by the central pedicle, avoiding a vertical scar

Reduction of the macromamma that causes posture malformations, neck and back pain, and psychological problems is very important. I performed the technique on 13 patients whose ages ranged between 17 and 60 years during 1990 and 1993. I observed no complications in the controls. To obtain a better result in reduction mammoplasty, I use a technique that can be performed on patients of any age, without causing any problems in vascularization, sensitivity, and lactation, and that avoids the vertical scar.