The tongue-in-groove technique in septorhinoplasty. A 10-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Correction of the lower third of the nose is perhaps the most challenging component of performing a rhinoplasty. The tongue-in-groove (TIG) technique provides a method for correcting excess columellar show and maintaining correction of caudal deviation. It is also indicated for controlling nasal tip rotation and projection while preserving the integrity of the lobular cartilaginous complex and may be combined with either the external or endonasal rhinoplasty. It is typically used in combination with other septorhinoplasty maneuvers. The TIG technique consists of a method by which the medial crura are advanced cephaloposteriorly onto the caudal septum into a surgically created space between them.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of the TIG technique to aid in correction of columellar show, a deviated caudal septum, and various tip rotation and projection problems.

SETTING: Private practices of 2 authors (R.W.H.K., Houston, Tex, and H.M.T.F., Alexandria, Egypt).

PATIENTS: The records of 287 patients who underwent TIG rhinoplasties in one private practice from 1989 through early 1999 (n = 203) and in another practice from 1994 through early 1999 (n = 84) were reviewed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Physician judgment of outcome was based on reduction of columellar show, change in tip rotation or projection, narrowing of the columella, and straightening of a deviated caudal septum as indicated in preoperative and postoperative photographs taken of all but 4 of the 287 patients. Patient judgment of outcome was measured by patient requests for revision and patient comments made during follow-up visits.

RESULTS: Of 287 patients, 278 (97%) had satisfactory to excellent results. Only 9 (3%) required revisions related to the TIG technique. Eight of these 9 did not achieve enough reduction of columellar show or adequate rotation or projection. A repeated TIG technique was used in these 8 patients with satisfactory revision results. One of the 9 was overprojected and required revision. Of the 108 patients who had preoperative caudal septal deviation, none needed further surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: The TIG technique provides a direct, effective solution to columellar show and is a reliable, reproducible method for achieving predictable tip rotation and projection. Furthermore, when used in conjunction with septoplasty techniques, it helps maintain the correction of a deviated caudal septum.