Growth of the human septal cartilage: cell density and colony formation of septal chondrocytes.

Human chondrocytes from 24 patients (5 to 52 years) with septal deviation were isolated in different areas of the septal cartilage. Cell density was counted, and the chondrocytes were grown in an assay system for determining the number of chondrocytes capable of proliferating. High cell density and excellent proliferative capacity were found in the anterior free end of the septal cartilage in all age groups. The central area showed the highest growth index in childhood, and increasing cell density from childhood to puberty. Generally the growth index decreased with age in all septal areas. The results help to explain some clinical observations: increasing septal cartilage even in adults, growth of nasal tip in adults, regenerative potential of septal cartilage after injuries or surgery, importance of the central area for septal growth and surgery.