title: Complications associated with autologous rib cartilage use in rhinoplasty: a meta-analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although autologous rib cartilage is a preferred source of graft material in rhinoplasty, rib cartilage for dorsal augmentation has been continuously criticized for its tendency to warp and for high donor-site morbidities. However, no meta-analysis or systemic review on complications associated with autologous rib cartilage use in rhinoplasty has been conducted.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To carry out a systematic review and a meta-analysis of available literature to evaluate complications regarding autologous rib cartilage in rhinoplasty.
  
  
  METHODS
  The studies reporting complications associated with the autologous rib cartilage use in rhinoplasty were systematically reviewed by searching the MEDLINE, PubMed, and Embase databases for sources published from 1946 through June 2013.
  
  
  METHODS
  The selected articles included clinical studies conducted with at least 10 patients and at least 1 postoperative long-term complication or donor-site morbidity in rhinoplasty. Excluded were nonhuman studies; review articles; case reports; abstracts; and reports of nasal reconstruction as indication for surgery, use of homologous rib cartilage, and diced or laminated methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two investigators independently reviewed all studies and extracted the data using a standardized form. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model.
  
  
  METHODS
  Number of patients; follow-up duration; and rates of complication, donor-site morbidity, and revision surgery. Also noted were study authors and year of publication.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten studies involving a total 491 patients were identified. Mean follow-up across all studies was 33.3 months. In meta-analysis, the combined rates were 3.08% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0%-10.15%) for warping, 0.22% (95% CI, 0%-1.25%) for resorption, 0.56% (95% CI, 0%-2.61%) for infection, 0.39% (95% CI, 0%-1.97%) for displacement, 5.45% (95% CI, 0.68%-13.24%) for hypertrophic chest scarring, 0% (95% CI, 0%-0.32%) for pneumothorax, and 14.07% (95% CI, 6.19%-24.20%) for revision surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The overall long-term complications and donor-site morbidity rates associated with autologous rib cartilage use in rhinoplasty were low. Warping and hypertrophic chest scarring showed relatively higher rates, warranting a surgeon's attention. Because a limited number of studies and patients were eligible, and consistent definitions of complications were lacking in this meta-analysis, future studies with a larger series of patients and objective outcome measurements are needed to obtain more reliable results.
  
  
  METHODS
  4.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, National Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Jee Hye
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Wee
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Min-Hyun
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Biostatistics, Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Sohee
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Oh
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Hong-Ryul
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Jin
mesh_terms: D066186:Costal Cartilage / Q000637:transplantation*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006084:Graft Rejection; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D012272:Ribs / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors; D060053:Transplant Donor Site / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods