The Effect of Perichondrium and Graft Modification on the Viability of Conchal Cartilage Graft: An Experimental Study in Rabbit

Abstract

Objective: Cartilage grafts are widely used in reconstructing nasal deformity for structural and aesthetic purposes. Despite being immunologically privileged, cartilage grafts are susceptible to volume loss with high risk of resorption over time. Therefore, experts opt for cartilage handling modification to resolve this issue through graft dicing, wrapping, or perichondrium preservation. This study will evaluate the effect cartilage graft preparations on graft viability. Design: Single-randomized post-test-only study design. Setting: Animal Hospital at Bogor Agricultural Institute. Participants: Six New Zealand, male, Hycole rabbits. Intervention: Conchal cartilage grafts were retrieved from 6 experimental rabbits and distributed into 3 treatment groups: diced cartilage graft (DC; control), one-sided perichondrium-attached scored cartilage (OPSC), and tube-shaped perichondrium-wrapped diced cartilage (TPDC). Main Outcome Measures: Macroscopic (weight and contour) and microscopic (chondroblast proliferation, graft thickness, apoptotic cells) evaluation through histological measures were recorded on week 12. Statistical analysis was done to compare between groups. Results: Diced cartilage and OPSC groups showed significant weight changes on week 12 ( P < .05) with OPSC presenting with the biggest difference. Diced cartilage and OPSC group showed moderate cell proliferation on week 12 while TPDC displayed most abundant apoptotic cells (5.8%; P < .05). Diced cartilage group had the highest cartilage thickness ratio ( P < .05). Discussion: Bare DC technique promoted graft thickness while perichondrium-attached scored cartilage showed the most abundant chondroblast proliferation and the least apoptotic cells. Perichondrium contributes to enhanced new cartilage formation. Conclusion: Diced cartilage graft is suitable for masking irregularity and volume augmentation, while perichondrium-attached cartilage graft is better for structural support in nasal reconstruction.