Nasal septal abscess in children: reconstruction with autologous cartilage grafts on polydioxanone plate.

Objective: To assess outgrowth and aesthetics of the nose in children after reconstruction of the cartilaginous nasal septum with autologous cartilage grafts on polydioxanone plate.

Design: Prospective nonrandomized case series.

Setting: University hospital.

Patients: Six patients (5 boys and 1 girl), aged 3 to 11 years, with nasal septal abscess.

Intervention: The nasal septa of 6 children with a history of nasal septal abscess and partial or complete destruction of nasal septal cartilage were reconstructed with autologous cartilage grafts of the auricle or rib fixed on polydioxanone plate.

Main Outcome Measures: Nasal outgrowth was measured by the length of the nose and by the amount of nasal tip projection and was compared with standardized growth curves. Aesthetic outcome variables included nasolabial angle, columellar retraction, and development of saddle nose deformity and were classified as normal, mild, or severe.

Results: The duration of follow-up ranged from 10 to 68 months (mean follow-up, 38 months). Four children had complete loss of the cartilaginous septum. Areas 1 and 2 (caudal parts) had been destroyed in 2 children. Auricular cartilage was used in 5 children; costal cartilage was needed in 1 child. Compared with standardized growth curves, the length of the nose and the amount of nasal tip projection were within 1 SD in all children. None of the children developed saddle nose deformity. One child had mild columellar retraction; 3 children had mild overrotation of the nasal tip.

Conclusion: Total reconstruction of abscess-induced destruction of nasal septal cartilage with autologous cartilage grafts fixed on polydioxanone plate has, so far, resulted in normal development of the nose during follow-up, without expected aesthetic problems.