Comparison of Mechanical Properties of Nasal Cartilage Preserved in Ethanol at 4 °C versus Normal Saline at -18 °C for Rhinoplasty Reuse.

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to compare the mechanical properties of nasal cartilage preserved in ethanol at 4 °C versus normal saline at -18 °C, with the goal of assessing their suitability for reuse in subsequent nasal surgeries.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Twenty nasal septal cartilage samples from patients who had undergone rhinoplasty were preserved for two months using two different methods. Ten cartilages were stored in alcohol at 4 °C, while the remaining ten were stored in normal saline at -18 °C. Additionally, a control group consisting of ten fresh cartilage samples was included for comparison. The mechanical properties (namely Young's modulus, fracture stress, yield stress, ductility, and tensile strength) were measured using a universal tensile testing machine STM-20 and analyzed to evaluate the effects of the preservation methods.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed between the groups in mean tensile strength, ductility, Young's modulus, and yield stress (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was found in mean fracture stress (P=0.318). The alcohol-preserved group exhibited significantly lower mechanical properties compared to the saline and fresh cartilage groups (P<0.05). No significant differences were detected between the frozen (saline) and fresh cartilage groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cartilage stored in normal saline at -18 °C retained its mechanical properties better than cartilage preserved in alcohol at 4 °C. Freezing did not adversely affect the mechanical properties, and the slightly higher values observed in the frozen group suggest that lower temperature may enhance cartilage elasticity.