title: Cartilage suspension using a poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid system.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study aims to determine whether a bar-like implant made of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) could be used for cartilage suspension and whether the implant would be suitable for rhinoplasty.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three types of in vivo animal experiments were performed. First, the ear cartilage was incised in a full-thickness pattern, and the PLGA system was placed between the upper and lower cartilage to offer support to the tissue. Second, after the ear cartilage was forcibly bent, an implant was placed in the cartilage. For these rabbits, the outer aspect of the ear cartilage was assessed at 2, 4, 8, 10, and 12 weeks postoperatively. In addition, tissue samples were collected for histological evaluation 12 weeks after surgery. Third, the bar-like nasal implant was used for nasal septal suspension. We obtained micro-computed tomography (CT) images and evaluated the inflammatory reaction at 12 weeks postoperatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results of both the ear suspension and bending retention tests revealed that the characteristic shapes of the cartilage were well preserved at 12 weeks postoperatively. Moreover, no abnormal inflammatory reaction was present in any site in the experimental group. We successfully implanted the bar-like nasal implant in the rabbit's septum, and no complications occurred. Furthermore, the physical examination and the micro-CT images did not reveal any nasal obstruction or inflammation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We confirmed that an implant made of PLGA can be maintained in the cartilage tissue and believe that this can be applied in rhinoplasty as an alternative to autologous cartilage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jae Hoon
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Jeong
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Byung Hwi
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Dae Hee
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Baek-Kyu
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Chang Sik
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Pak
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Eun Hee
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: lionheo@snu.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Chan Yeong
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Heo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004425:Ear Cartilage / Q000601:surgery*; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D011817:Rabbits; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid
keywords: Biomaterials; Cartilage; Polylactic acid/polyglycolic acid copolymer; Rabbits; Rhinoplasty