Alar batten cartilage graft: treatment of internal and external nasal valve collapse.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to describe the efficacy of alar batten graft in correcting internal and external nasal valve collapse (i.n.v. and e.n.v.) and evaluate the functional and aesthetic results.


METHODS
From July 2006 to September 2008, 80 patients (54 females and 26 males) underwent alar batten cartilage grafting. The patients were divided into three groups: (1) 55 patients with iatrogenic nasal valve collapse (80% i.n.v., 20% e.n.v.), (2) 15 patients with posttraumatic nasal valve collapse (45% i.n.v., 55% e.n.v.), and (3) 10 patients with congenital nasal valve collapse (100% e.n.v.). Patients were evaluated at 6, 12, 24, and some at 36 months after surgery. The final follow-up was at least 24 months.


RESULTS
The results of this study revealed a significant increase in the size of the aperture at the internal or external nasal valve after the application of alar batten grafts. All the patients noted improvement in their nasal airway breathing and in their cosmetic appearance. No major complication was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The alar batten graft is a simple, versatile technique for long-term reshaping, repositioning, and reconstruction of the nasal valve collapse.
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Rome Tor vergata, Viale Oxford, V. U.Saba n 71, 00100, Rome, Italy.
Valerio
V
Cervelli
Diana
D
Spallone
J Davide
JD
Bottini
Erminia
E
Silvi
Pietro
P
Gentile
Beniamino
B
Curcio
Michele
M
Pascali
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004425:Ear Cartilage / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009666:Nose / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000379:methods*