title: The Role of Piezoelectric Instrumentation in Rhinoplasty Surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In rhinoplasty surgery, management of the bony vault and lateral walls is most often performed with mechanical instruments: saws, chisels, osteotomes, and rasps. Over the years, these instruments have been refined to minimize damage to the surrounding soft tissues and to maximize precision.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article will present the evolution of the authors' current operative technique based on 185 clinical cases performed over an 19-month period using piezoelectric instrumentation (PEI).
  
  
  METHODS
  A two-part study of cadaver dissections and clinical cases was performed using PEI. Evolution of the authors' clinical technique and the operative sequence were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty cadaver dissections and 185 clinical cases were performed using PEI, including 82 primary and 103 secondary cases. An extended subperiosteal dissection was developed to visualize all aspects of the open rhinoplasty including the osteotomies. Ultrasonic rhinosculpture (URS) was utilized in 95 patients to shape the bony vault without osteotomies. To date, 11 revisions (6%) have been performed. There were no cases of bone asymmetry, irregularity, or excessive narrowing requiring a revision.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on the authors' experience, adoption of PEI is justified and offers more precise analysis and surgical execution with superior results in altering the osseocartilaginous vault. With extensive exposure, surgeons can make an accurate diagnosis of bony deformity and safely contour the bones to achieve narrowing and symmetry of the bony dorsum. Stable osteotomies can be performed under direct vision with precise mobilization and control. As a result of PEI, the upper third of the rhinoplasty operation is no longer shrouded in mystery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4: Therapeutic.
authors.affiliation: Dr Gerbault is a plastic surgeon in private practice in Paris, France. Dr Daniel is a Clinical Professor and Dr Kosins is a Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California.
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Gerbault
authors.affiliation: Dr Gerbault is a plastic surgeon in private practice in Paris, France. Dr Daniel is a Clinical Professor and Dr Kosins is a Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California.
authors.forename: Rollin K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Daniel
authors.affiliation: Dr Gerbault is a plastic surgeon in private practice in Paris, France. Dr Daniel is a Clinical Professor and Dr Kosins is a Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California.
authors.forename: Aaron M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Kosins
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D006801:Humans; D009295:Nasal Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D009666:Nose / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D059745:Piezosurgery / Q000379:methods*; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography