Application of a Modified Costal Cartilaginous Framework in Correction of Severe Saddle Nose Deformity.

Background: Insufficient support of the nasal septum due to congenital or secondary deficiency leads to severe saddle nose deformity, which presents an unpleasant appearance.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to present our approach to constructing a costal cartilaginous framework with autologous costal cartilage for correction of severe saddle nose deformities.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients who underwent correction of severe saddle nose deformity (type 2 to type 4) by a senior surgeon from January 2018 to January 2022. Preoperative and postoperative measurements were conducted to evaluate the surgical outcomes.

Results: A total of 41 patients ages 15 to 50 years completed the study. The average follow-up time was 20.6 months. No short-term complications were observed. Revisional operations were performed on 3 patients. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results. Analysis of objective measurements showed that the nasofrontal angle, columellar-labial angle, and tip projection improved significantly in type 2 cases, the nasofrontal angle and tip projection improved significantly in type 3 cases, and tip projection improved significantly in type 4 cases.

Conclusions: Application of this modified costal cartilaginous framework, which consists of a fairly stable foundation layer and an aesthetic contour layer of block costal cartilage, has achieved satisfactory results over the long term.