Utilization of an Integrated Biomimetic Groove Graft for Moderate-to-Severe Saddle-Nose Deformity Correction.

Abstract

The key to correcting moderate-to-severe saddle-nose deformities is restoring septal support. Owing to the heterogeneity in the extent and severity of septal defects, constructing a cartilage framework tailored to specific conditions is challenging. The authors of this study aimed to introduce their procedure utilizing a novel integrated biomimetic groove graft (IBGG) technique for cartilage framework construction in the correction of moderate-to-severe saddle-nose deformities and to evaluate its clinical outcomes. The authors of this retrospective study included patients who underwent surgical correction for moderate-to-severe saddle-nose deformity using the IBGG from February 2023 to February 2024. Patients were categorized into 3 categories based on Cakmak algorithm-defined septal defect characteristics including location and severity. Three IBGG variants were applied to construct the composite framework to address the deformity. Outcomes were assessed using objective measurements and subjective evaluations. Thirty-three patients completed the study, with a mean follow-up of 16.4 months. Postoperatively, subjective evaluation demonstrated favorable patient satisfaction with a mean Visual Analog Scale score of 8.57. As for objective assessment, nasal tip rotation and saddle index decreased, whereas nasal tip projection increased significantly across all categories. The nasofrontal angle showed no significant change in Category 1 but decreased significantly in Categories 2 and 3. The application of the IBGG in cartilage framework construction enables effective restoration of septal support. Objective measurements and subjective outcomes confirmed the technique's reliability, demonstrating the utility of the IBGG as a powerful tool for correcting moderate-to-severe saddle-nose deformities.