Reimplantation of autologous septal cartilage in the growing nasal septum. II. The influence of reimplantation of rotated or crushed autologous septal cartilage on nasal growth: an experimental study in growing rabbits.

A series of experiments were carried out on growing rabbits to investigate the effect of rotation (through 90 degrees and 180 degrees) or crushing of autologous cartilage implants on growth of the nose. Reconstruction of the nasal septum with rotated or crushed implants did not restore the normal growth of the nose. This is in accordance with the results of a previously described experiment in which the continuity was repaired with autologous cartilage in the same position (Nolst Trenité et al., 1987). The crushed cartilage implants were as effective as the noncrushed implants in preventing septal perforations. The implants rotated through 90 degrees, showed less intrinsic growth in dorso-ventral direction.