Costal Cartilage Grafts

Cartilage grafts are used for many purposes. In assessing the defect to be filled with costal cartilage, some factors must be taken into account. The length of the defect can extend up to 6–7 cm; a larger defect would require multiple grafts or bone grafts (usually vascularized). Large costal cartilage grafts are also difficult to harvest and have increased morbidity at the donor and recipient sites. The rigidity and firmness of costal cartilage can be used for structural augmentation (i.e., correction of saddle-nose deformities or to provide structural rigidity to the trachea and eyelid). However, costal cartilage cannot be considered a substitute for bone grafts when significant structural support is needed. Costal cartilage grafts can be used as onlay-type grafts to correct traumatic, congenital, or surgically induced facial deformities and as spacers to maintain mobility of the temporomandibular joint.