Saddle nose deformity reconstruction with a split calvarial bone L-shaped strut.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a technique for creation of a split calvarial bone L-shaped strut that provides dorsal support while increasing tip projection in patients with substantial septal saddle nose deformities from various underlying inflammatory conditions and surgical resection.

METHODS

Case series and review of the literature.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients underwent nasal reconstruction at our institution using the split calvarial bone L-shaped strut technique with postoperative follow-up to 36 months (range, 9-36 months). The causes of septal perforation leading to saddle nose deformity included cocaine use, infection, sarcoidosis, malignant lesion, iatrogenic causes, and Wegener granulomatosis. All cases resulted in an augmented, straightened nasal dorsum and increased tip projection. Results were maintained throughout follow-up with no evidence of graft infection, resorption, or migration.

CONCLUSIONS

The split calvarial bone L-shaped strut provides dual benefits of dorsal support and increased tip projection. Numerous techniques have been discussed for dorsal augmentation with varied success; however, the long-term maintenance of this graft in patients with severely compromised vascularity owing to underlying inflammatory conditions such as Wegener granulomatosis highlights its presumed advantages. The procedure can be performed using the external rhinoplasty approach, obviating the need for radix incisions for plating or intranasal mucosal incisions. These advantages make the L-shaped strut technique excellent for nasal reconstruction in patients with substantial septal saddle nose deformities regardless of cause and duration of defect.