BACKGROUND: Rhinoplasty surgery, performed for the treatment of "saddle-back" nose, has significantly improved in the last decades due to better management of grafts and implants. However, the choice of these materials is controversial and remains a subject of discussion. Scar contracture forces in nasal deformities prevent any type of reconstruction that is not rigid or semi-rigid. Therefore, the bone graft is an appropriate choice because it is stable, available, and reliable with regard to aesthetic outcomes. The olecranon bone graft is easily harvested and has a single cortical thickness, which is essential for resisting bone resorption and for providing long-lasting cosmetic results. The aim of this study is to discuss the advantages of the olecranon bone graft in rhinoplasty and to demonstrate our experience with this procedure. METHODS: In this descriptive and retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent olecranon bone grafting for nasal dorsal augmentation between January 2000 and January 2010 and were consequently followed-up for an equivalent period, at the Plastic Surgery Service of Hospital Daher Lago Sul (Daher Lago Sul Hospital, Brasília, DF, Brazil). Possible graft resorption was monitored by anthropometric measurements of the nose with photographic documentation and graft radiological control. RESULTS: Satisfactory aesthetic results were achieved for the 9 patients who underwent surgery. According to the examinations performed to monitor possible graft resorption, projection loss or signs of bone resorption were not observed for up to 6 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The olecranon bone graft proved to be a suitable choice for primary or secondary rhinoplasty to treat "saddle-back" nose, with no long-term resorption or morbidity of the donor area observed up to this point. Moreover, the olecranon bone graft provides satisfactory, predictable, and long-lasting aesthetic results.
Rhinoplasty; Nose; Bone transplantation; Transplantation, autologous
