Evaluation of the Effects of Different Measurable Forces on the Viability of Bovine Nasal Septal Cartilage: In Vitro Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND

The viability of cartilage grafts crushed during septorhinoplasty procedures remains unpredictable, causing hesitation among surgeons. This study aimed to objectively evaluate how different measurable crushing forces influence the viability of bovine nasal septal cartilage, thus providing clearer guidance for clinical practice.

METHODS

A custom-designed tissue-crushing device incorporating a dynamometer was utilized to apply precise crushing forces of 200, 300, 400, and 600 Newtons (N) to bovine nasal septal cartilage samples. Following crushing, the samples underwent incubation in cell culture for four weeks. Cartilage viability was then assessed histopathologically and scored between 1 and 3 points. Statistical analysis compared viability scores across the different groups.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed among the experimental groups. The control group demonstrated the highest viability (2.8 ± 0.42), followed by groups subjected to 200 N (2.6 ± 0.51), 300 N (2.2 ± 0.42), 400 N (1.8 ± 0.42), and 600 N (1.3 ± 0.48) crushing forces. Viability scores were significantly lower in groups exposed to forces of 400 N and 600 N (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The newly developed tissue-crushing device allows standardized, objective quantification of cartilage-crushing forces. Based on our findings, applying crushing forces of up to 300 N maintains acceptable cartilage viability, providing useful guidance for clinical applications and future research.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .