Use of Ethmoid Bone Grafts in Rhinoplasty Doctor Answers, Tips
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Use of Ethmoid Bone Grafts in Rhinoplasty

I am considering Rhinoplasty in Missouri. I have met with a few ENT physicians and a few things have come up. I have a severely deviated septum. One is considering ethmoid bone grafts.

If done, the surgery would take five hours.  Is this routine? It doesn't seem normal. I do I believe he specializes in revisions. What is the indication for ethmoid bone grafts? What are they for? When are they used in rhinoplasty? Also, why do some surgeons use internal splints and others do not?

Updated: 11/23/09

I wanted to thank EVERY DOCTOR who submitted a response to my question about ethmoid bone grafts. It was such an immense help and really made me narrow down who I choose to do my surgery. You all are the ones who make this a fantastic place for patients to come to.

17 Doctor Answers | Asked by sharma80 in Toledo
+1

Ethmoid bone grafts are not typically used during Rhinoplasty Surgery.

In general, cartilage and bone grafts are used to improve the appearance and function of your nose. You say you have a "severely deviated septum". Frankly, I'm not sure what your surgeon has in mind. Five hours seems a bit lenghthy to me as well. I like internal, thin, rigid Silastic splints after Septoplasty, when septal deviation is severe. You won't know they're present, and they remain in your nose for 2 weeks after Septoplasty. Their purpose is to keep your septum straight... more
+2

Bone grafts and revision rhinoplasty

The problem with bone grafts is that they are not as dependable an alternative as cartilage grafts. Large surgical case series show that cartilage grafting in the nose produces long lasting dependable results. I think you can tell this from the consensus of opinions among the other surgeons. I also agree that 5 hours is likely too long as far as operative time is concerned even for revision surgery.
+2

Rhinoplasty and Deviated Septum

Hi Sharma, I have never heard of ethmoid bone grafts. Maybe your surgeon is referring to the ethmoid bone plate which is an extension of your cartilagenous septum in the rear of your nose?? Severely deviated septums may require spreader grafts but cartilage is typically used for this. 5 hours is a very long time for any kind of rhinoplasty. Even revision rhinoplasties or very complex rhinoplasties should not take more that 3 hours tops for an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon. Maybe you... more

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+2

Ethmoid bone grafts in rhinoplasty

Ethmoid bone is sometimes taken with septal grafts if there is not enough septum to work with. Usually there is enought septum for most grafting.  A five hour rhinoplasty is extremely unusual. 
+2

Rhinoplasty and septal deviation

It would be unfair to make judgment about the time to repair your nose without seeing for myself how problematic your nose is. That said, 5 hours for a primary septorhinoplasty seems to be a bit excessive. Ethmoid bone grafts are used for rhinoplasty and for revision rhinoplasty, however, in primary rhinoplasty you should have ample cartilagenous septum to work with which is easy to harvest and very satisfying to work with. Removing portions of the ethmoid bone during septoplasty is... more
+2

Seriously deviated septum

Dear Sharma, Please read the answer I just submitted regarding my own septoplasty experience. I went to Dallas from Seattle to Dr. Gunter and Dr. Cochran, his partner and had a perfect result. If you are not totally set on staying where you are, you might consider this too. It is listed under "Recommendations for revision rhinoplasty surgeons in Texas."
+1

Ethmoid bone grafts in rhinoplasty

Septal cartilage, not ethmoid bone is the primary choice for grafting in the nose. The posterior portion of the nose is ethmoid bone, which is very thin and does not add much structural contour to the nose. Five hours seems an excessively long period of time to undergo a rhinoplasty. Internal splints are no longer used in rhinoplasty and/or septoplasty because they have not been proven to be of any benefit.
+1

Bone Grafts in Rhinoplasty Surgery

Although bone grafts were frequently used in years past, most rhinoplasty surgeons today feel that cartilage grafts are much more reliable. The use of internal splints is individualized depending on the needs of each patient and the surgical  techniques performed.
+1

Ethmoid Bone Grafts

Hello, I prefer not to use Ethmoid bone grafts. I only use cartilage to straighten septum. Generally to straighten a septum, you don’t need grafts, just a well performed septoplasty. Sometimes, you may use spreader grafts. I use silicone splints following a septoplasty, and they will remain in the nose for one week following placement. Hope this helps answer your question. Dr. Nassif
+1

Ethmoid bone grafts for rhinoplasty/septoplasty

They are rarely used, and seem to be a last resort if nothing else is available. If the septum is severely deviated, then it is destabilized as part of the mobilization to allow it to return to midline. To keep the reconstruction straight, a plate of additional cartilage is often used as a strut or brace as it is secured to the unstable and straightened segment. Just like a casted broken arm. Depending on where they are placedand what additional function they may provide, these struts... more
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