Comparing autologous versus allogenic rib grafting in pediatric cleft rhinoplasty.

Background: Patients with cleft lip with or without cleft palate suffer from varying degrees of nasal deformity, often requiring nasal reconstruction to provide improved form and function. Rib cartilage is an excellent source of grafting material for nasal reconstruction and is available either as an autologous or allogenic graft. There is a paucity of literature comparing outcomes of autologous and allogenic rib grafts in pediatric cleft rhinoplasty.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent cleft rhinoplasty with autologous or allogenic rib grafting at a tertiary pediatric hospital between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2017. Outcome data were gathered over a 6-month postoperative period.

Results: There were 23 cleft rhinoplasties performed with rib graft, 12 with autologous rib and 11 with allogenic rib. Those in the autologous group tended to be older than those in the allogeneic group (15.6 ± 4.4 v 12.4 ± 5.2 years, p = 0.13). The most common types of grafts used were columellar strut (20/23), shield graft (9/23), and unilateral or bilateral batten grafts (7/23). Length of stay was significantly longer for patients who underwent autologous rib grafting compared with those with allogenic rib grafting (25.8 ± 4.7 v 11.9 ± 7.2 h, p < 0.05). Each group reported one complication.

Conclusion: Autologous and allogenic rib grafts are safe and effective in pediatric rhinoplasty. The most common grafts used in this sample were columellar strut, batten, and shield grafts. Autologous rib grafts were more likely to be used in older patients and require longer hospital stay compared to allogenic grafts.