Comparative Study of the Viability of Diced Cartilage Grafts Wrapped in Autogenous Fascia and AlloDerm® in Rabbits

Purpose: Diced cartilage have reemerged as a popular method in aesthetic rhinoplasty since Erol's Turkish Delight technique. But an extensive literature indicates that the diced cartilage with Surgicel® wrapping absorbed and failed to correct the clinical problems. Recent studies showed that a significant foreign body reaction occurred in the diced cartilage grafts wrapped in Surgicel®, but not in those grafts wrapped in fascia. However, to date, no study has addressed the histologic behavior of wrapped diced cartilage using AlloDerm®. The main aim of this study was to compare the viability of diced cartilage wrapped in autogenous fascia and AlloDerm® in rabbit. Methods and Materials: Ear cartilage and lumbosacral fascia were obtained from 6 New Zealand rabbits. Diced cartilage grafts were transplanted to three surgically created subcutaneous pockets on the back of the rabbit. There were three groups: (I) diced cartilage (n=6), (II) diced cartilage wrapped in fascia (n=6), (III) diced cartilage wrapped in AlloDerm®(n=6). Experience: The grafts were observed at the end of 6 months after implantation. Histologic processing of the specimens included hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome, safranin-O, Van Gieson and immunohistochemical staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney Test. Results were evaluated at a p < 0.05 significance level. Results: Our histologic analysis demonstrated that the chondrocyte regeneration potential, matrix collagen content, metaplastic bone formation of AlloDerm® group were significantly superior to that of fascia group. With respect to other histologic parameters, AlloDerm® group showed better results than fascia group without statistical significance. Conclusions: Our experimental study suggests that AlloDerm® could be a excellent material for diced cartilage grafting. Thus, further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical applications of AlloDerm® in diced cartilage graft.