Biochemical Variability of Nasal Cartilages: Implications in Functional Rhinoplasty

• Published in: The Laryngoscope 2024-10, Vol.134 (10), p.4252-4258
• Main Authors: Kim, Sul G., Mims, Mark M., Menapace, Denna C., Stack, Taylor, Shockley, William W., Clark, J. Madison
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Cartilage; Collagen; Collagen - analysis; Collagen - metabolism; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Glycosaminoglycans - analysis; Glycosaminoglycans - metabolism; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; nasal cartilage histology; Nasal Cartilages - surgery; Nasal Obstruction - pathology; Nasal Obstruction - surgery; nasal valve compromise; nasal valve dysfunction; Prospective Studies; quadrangular cartilage; Rhinoplasty - methods; upper lateral cartilage; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0023-852X; 1531-4995; 1531-4995
• DOI: 10.1002/lary.31480

Introduction Nasal valve compromise is a common issue for patients presenting to an otolaryngologist. Anatomically, the dorsal septal cartilage (DSA) articulates with the upper lateral nasal cartilage (ULC). When the ULC weakens, it is prone to collapse and may result in nasal obstruction. Our objectives were to analyze histological differences between quadrangular and DSA nasal cartilages and compare histological composition of these tissues among patients with diagnosis of nasal valve compromise (NVC) versus those without NVC (no NVC). Methods Prospective cross‐sectional study of nasal cartilages from seventy‐three (73) live donors. Quadrangular cartilage (QC), and DSA from patients undergoing septorhinoplasty were collected. Safranin O histochemical staining was used to observe glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) content and cell count. Masson's Trichrome staining was used to assess collagen content in these nasal cartilages. Results Mean GAG content was lower in DSA compared with QUAD cartilage (68.18% vs. 87.22%, p