Reconstruction of the internal nasal valve with a splay conchal graft

The internal nasal valve is the narrowest point in the nasal airway and thus is the controlling point that regulates inspiration flow. The cross-sectional area of the internal nasal valve is approximately 40 to 55 mm, and 40 to 50 percent of inspiratory resistance is attributable to internal nasal valve function. Collapse of one or both internal nasal valves can be a consequence of previous surgery, trauma, aging, or primary weakness of the upper lateral cartilage. In this study, autologous conchal cartilage was used as a splay graft for opening and reconstructing the internal nasal valve. Over 3.5 years, 31 patients (18 female patients and 13 male patients) were operated on using the splay graft. Inclusion criteria were positive Cottle sign and modified Cottle sign. Cause of collapse was previous surgery in 12 patients (38.7 percent), primary weakness in 10 patients (32.3 percent), and nasal trauma in nine patients (29 percent). After 10 to 42 months of follow-up, 80.6 percent of patients had good to excellent (stable) subjective respiratory function. There was no major morbidity or complication after surgery. Six patients complained of broadening in the middle nasal vault

The value of spreader grafts in rhinoplasty: a critical review

The value of spreader grafts in rhinoplasty cannot be underestimated. Various studies have demonstrated that they play a valuable role in the restoration of nasal dorsum aesthetics, provide support for the nasal valve and maintain the straightened position of the corrected deviated cartilaginous septal dorsum. However, there is still controversy on the extent of its value in nasal patency. This study reviews the literature and describes the values and limitations of spreader grafts in rhinoplasty and the alternatives to classic spreader grafts