Sub-alar batten grafts as treatment for nasal valve incompetence; description of technique and functional evaluation.
OBJECTIVE
To describe and evaluate the functional results of a surgical technique for treating nasal valve incompetence, in which a cartilage graft called a sub-alar batten graft is placed along the undersurface of the lateral crus of the lower lateral cartilage.


METHODS
The functional outcomes of 27 patients who had sub-alar batten grafts placed on 39 sides were evaluated by means of clinical examination and subjective self-assessment.


RESULTS
Of a total of 39 sides operated upon, 10 (26%) were rated as optimal, 15 (39%) as improved, 13 (33%) as equal and 1 (2%) as worse. Overall on 25 sides (65%) the post-operative situation was considered to be better than pre-operatively. In all cases in which there was a wish for cosmetic improvement, besides the functional indication, this was obtained, and in no case did the grafts give cause to cosmetic grievances or other complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Placement of sub-alar battens had a positive effect on nasal valve function in roughly two thirds of cases in this series. Although in our opinion this result was slightly disappointing from a purely functional point of view, they can improve the cosmetic result and continue to be considered in cases in which avoidance of surface irregularities is a primary concern or as a preventative measure in rhinoplasty patients at risk for post-operative valve collapse.
André
R F
RF
Department of Otolaryngology/Facial Plastic Surgery, Rijnland Hospital, Leiderdorp, The Netherlands. r.andre@rijnland.nl
D'Souza
A R
AR
Kunst
H P
HP
Vuyk
H D
HD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002356:Cartilage / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D009668:Nose Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000379:methods*