Survival of block and fascial-wrapped diced cartilage grafts: an experimental study in rabbits.

INTRODUCTION: Cartilage grafts have become an integral part in plastic surgery. Classic autogenous cartilage harvesting techniques are associated with significant donor- and recipient-site morbidity. The use of cartilage micrografts wrapped in a sleeve was first developed to decrease the complication rates of block cartilage grafts. The aim of this study was to compare the resorption rate of solid block cartilage graft and diced cartilage wrapped in fascia graft in rabbits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 12 rabbits, 1 solid block cartilage and 1 diced graft wrapped in fascia were implanted in subcutaneous pockets. By the end of the fourth month, the cartilage implants were dissected free and photographed and weighed exactly. Then specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to determine their architectural characteristics.

RESULTS: In the solid block cartilage graft group, the means ± standard deviation preimplant weight values were 5.34 ± 1.68. The weight was changed to 7.74 ± 3.26. The change was not statistically significant. In diced cartilage grafts wrapped in fascia, the means ± standard deviation preimplanted weight values were 8.13 ± 1.83. These values were changed to 2.79 ± 1.97, meaning statistically significant resorption of diced cartilage grafts wrapped in fascia (P < 0.001). In histologic examination, block cartilage grafts showed viable cartilage but diced cartilage grafts wrapped in fascia yielded fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration.

CONCLUSION: The amplitude of resorption of the diced cartilage wrapped in fascia is considerable compared with one-piece block grafts. It may be anticipated that the enthusiasm for this technique will decline once the long-term results of pertaining clinical studies are available.