Cartilage Curvature Reshaping: A Quantitative Assessment

Abstract

Abstract Background Horizontal mattress suture is frequently performed procedure during Rhinoplasty and Otoplasty to control the curvature of the cartilages. Despite the popularity of mattress technique, there are no quantitative methods to determine the suture effects in cartilage reshaping. Objectives The aim of the present experimental study was to quantify the straightening effect of mattress suture on convexity of ear cartilage in rabbit models. Methods Eleven young adult male New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. Horizontal mattress suture with spacing 3×6 mm was used in rectangle demarcated on left ear in area with maximum convexity. Preoperative and postoperative photographers were done before and immediately after surgery respectively. The Radius of curvature (ROC), first order deviation (FOD) and second order deviation (SOD) were calculated to quantify net cartilage reshaping, each point changes and homogeneity of new shaped cartilage respectively. Results The means for ROC were 1.112 and 2.169 before and after surgery respectively. ROC as indicator of net overall changing increased statistically significant. The means of FOD as each point slope index was statistically lower after surgery. (0.269 before surgery, 0.135 after surgery) The means for SOD also significantly decreased after surgery. (0.007 before surgery, 0.003 after surgery) The values of SOD remained positive after surgery that indicate changes in curve were homogenous. Conclusions A quantitative measurement method was introduced to directly quantify the controlling effect of suture. This quantifying method seems to be mandatory to compare the effect of horizontal mattress suture with other techniques in cartilage reshaping.