The use of porous polyethylene implants to correct nasal valve collapse.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the long-term outcome of correction of nasal valve collapse with a porous polyethylene implant.


METHODS
Retrospective review from November 1999 to December 2005. Nasal valve collapse was corrected with a porous polyethylene implant in 12 adults. Main outcome measures included relief of nasal obstruction and complications. Independent variables included other causes of nasal obstruction and need for revision surgery. Simple statistical analysis was performed.


RESULTS
Median follow-up was 5.6 years (58 months). 75% had complete resolution of nasal obstruction. 100% had complete resolution of nasal obstruction at 6 months and had coexisting causes of nasal obstruction. The implant extrusion rate was 21%. 42% went on to have revision surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Correction of nasal valve collapse with a porous polyethylene implant provided good long-term symptomatic relief of nasal obstruction, but with significant incidence of infection, implant extrusion, and need for revision surgery. The use of this implant should be reserved for cases in which autogenous graft material is not available.
Ramakrishnan
Jeevan B
JB
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA. ramakrishnanjeevan@uams.edu <ramakrishnanjeevan@uams.edu>
Danner
Christopher J
CJ
Yee
Suzanne W
SW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D020878:Device Removal; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000601:surgery*; D009666:Nose / Q000601:surgery*; D020959:Polyethylene / Q000737:chemistry; D016062:Porosity; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D020959:Polyethylene