“Outcomes of the Use of Fresh Frozen Costal Cartilage in Rhinoplasty”

Background: Rhinoplasty is made more challenging when there is insufficient septal cartilage for use as graft material. Several autologous and homologous graft options have been used in the past, though each comes with its own set of challenges. Fresh frozen costal cartilage (FFCC) is an increasingly popular alternative that yields the benefits of homologous tissue while having a lower theoretical risk profile. Given the relatively novel nature of this option, this study aims to analyze the complication rates of MTF (Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation) FFCC. Methods: A retrospective chart review of the use of FFCC in rhinoplasty in the senior author's practice was conducted between March 2018 to December 2021. 282 cases were reviewed and analyzed for rates of infection, warping, and resorption. The inclusion criteria were cases with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. Results: The mean age of our study group was 35.8 years old, with 27 males and 255 females. 40 cases were primary rhinoplasties while the remaining 242 were revisions. Mean follow-up period was 20.3 months. Six patients (2.1%) required empiric antibiotics postoperatively, zero patients had clinical signs of warping, resorption, or displacement, and six patients (2.1%) required operative revision unrelated to the FFCC. Conclusions: This study provides long-term follow up data on the complication profile of FFCC in rhinoplasty. Acute infection, warping, and resorption rates were found to be no greater than rhinoplasty complication rates when autologous or homologous tissue are used. FFCC is a safe, convenient, and patient-centered option for graft tissue in rhinoplasty.