Bahman Guyuron1, Brian Pinsky. 1. Division of Plastic Surgery, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. bguyuron@aol.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fundamental shortcomings of the currently available instrumentation prompted the need for a device that facilitates stabilization of the lateral crus while at the same time allowing for precise measurement of the retained cartilage fragment along the anatomic axis of the lateral crus. METHODS: This article presents a new instrument, the calibrated lateral crus stabilizer, and highlights its unique features, which facilitate the precise and symmetric excision of the lateral crural cartilage. RESULTS: A lateral crus stabilizer with a calibration mechanism is introduced that provides the means for precise removal of the excess portion of the lower lateral cartilage during rhinoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: There was a need for improved instrumentation to stabilize the alar cartilage than what is currently available. New instrumentation is presented that answers that need.
BACKGROUND: Fundamental shortcomings of the currently available instrumentation prompted the need for a device that facilitates stabilization of the lateral crus while at the same time allowing for precise measurement of the retained cartilage fragment along the anatomic axis of the lateral crus. METHODS: This article presents a new instrument, the calibrated lateral crus stabilizer, and highlights its unique features, which facilitate the precise and symmetric excision of the lateral crural cartilage. RESULTS: A lateral crus stabilizer with a calibration mechanism is introduced that provides the means for precise removal of the excess portion of the lower lateral cartilage during rhinoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: There was a need for improved instrumentation to stabilize the alar cartilage than what is currently available. New instrumentation is presented that answers that need.