Reimplantation of autologous septal cartilage in the growing nasal septum. I. The influence of resection and reimplantation of septal cartilage upon nasal growth: an experimental study in rabbits.

The effects of restoration of the dorso-ventral continuity of the nasal septum on the growth of the nose was investigated in growing rabbits. Submucous resection of the middle third of the septal cartilage resulted in characteristic growth disturbances of nose and maxilla. Reimplantation of the resected strip of autologous cartilage did not restore the normal development of the nose. The implants however did prevent septal perforations as seen after resection of cartilage only and showed a considerable growth in dorso-ventral direction.